Accessing Medicinal Cannabis
As of 31 December 2020, the TGA has approved over 50,000 SAS-B applications for medicinal cannabis products, with approximately 70% of those approvals having been granted for the treatment of chronic pain.
Accessing Medicinal Cannabis
As of 31 December 2020, the TGA has approved over 50,000 SAS-B applications for medicinal cannabis products, with approximately 70% of those approvals having been granted for the treatment of chronic pain.
How to access
Medicinal Cannabis
In recent years, a number of Australian have expressed interest in the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. In response, the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments have undertaken a number reforms since 2016 to allow for the legal prescribing and dispending of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products.
Further information for patients about Medicinal Cannabis can be found at: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Website (Australian Government – Department of Health)
Follow a Step-by-Step guide on “How to access medicinal cannabis in Australia“, provided by the Australian Government – Department of Health
Am I Eligible?
Individual patients may not apply to the TGA to obtain approval to access medicinal cannabis products. Access to medicinal cannabis can only be arranged through an Australian-registered medical practitioner with appropriate qualifications and/or expertise for the medical condition requiring treatment.
Generally speaking, your doctor will assess the following factors to determine your eligibility for medicinal cannabis:
Is there sufficient evidence (in the form of clinical studies or research) to justify the use of medicinal cannabis for your medical condition/illness?
Have you taken or tried other standard medications to treat your medical condition/illness which have been ineffective or produced significant side effects?
Are there any specific contraindications or lifestyle considerations which would make medicinal cannabis unsuitable for treating your medical condition/illness?