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So how can I find out if I’m eligible to access?
Medical cannabis has been approved for use by prescription in Australia under the Narcotics Drugs Act 1967. Medical cannabis can be used in the treatment of over 100 types of conditions, however each case is different and as a result, patients must have the therapy assessed and prescribed by an experienced and authorised medical practitioner.
There is no predetermined list of conditions for which a cannabis medicine can be prescribed. Medicinal cannabis treatment may be prescribed for any condition where the prescribing doctor feels there is a medical need. Eligibility to be prescribed medicinal cannabis is assessed on an individual basis by taking into account many factors in a patient’s history.
To understand whether you may be eligible for medicinal cannabis therapy, please speak to one of the team for a FREE personalised eligibility assessment.
Generally, patients can be assessed for this area of treatment if;
- the patient has a medical diagnosis that has lasted a minimum of 3 months.
- they have tried more conventional medications to assist with managing symptoms.
Please note, medicinal cannabis cannot be prescribed solely for the treatment of cancer. However, it may be considered for treatment of symptoms related to cancer or side effects of cancer treatment. Medicinal Cannabis also cannot be prescribed to women who are currently breastfeeding or pregnant.
How long does it take to get approved?
Any relevant approvals are usually obtained by the next day provided a complete application is submitted by you including a copy of your health summary verifying the medical conditions for which you are seeking treatment. This is easily obtained from your current GP or specialist. We advise patients to obtain this in advance to expedite the process.
We are here to help you navigate this process quickly and easily, and rest assured we’ve assisted thousands of patients just like you.
How much does it cost? Can I get Bulk Billed?
We only offer privately billed consultations at this time. However, we have compared our pricing and are one of the most competitive in the market.
The cost of medicinal cannabis products itself can vary. We do not set prices and these are set by the product manufacturers. Costs vary and can typically range from $3 to $10 per day, depending on the nature of the condition being treated, the product required and the dosage of the required product.
Medicinal cannabis products are not currently subsidised by the Commonwealth Government.
How do I receive my Prescription?
Once prescribed, medicinal cannabis medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy and delivered to your nominated address for your convenience. This utilises the Australia Post premium eParcel service and you’ll receive regular updates during delivery.
Can I get CBD over the counter (OTC) in a pharmacy?
CBD in Australia is a schedule 4 drug, which means you need a prescription for it.
In December 2020, the schedule of low dose CBD was approved to be down-scheduled to a schedule 3 medication which means that patients can now get certain low dose CBD products OTC without a script.
However, Schedule 3 cannabidiol (CBD) cannot be supplied under the Special Access Scheme (SAS) and must be included (registered) on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). To date, there is no company that has a Schedule 3 CBD medication registered on the ARTG, to get there, they need to evidence safety and efficacy via clinical research. Industry leaders predict this may not happen until late 2022, early 2023.
There are also limitations for low-dose CBD products, namely:
● the maximum dose is limited to 150 mg per day
● products must be contained child-resistant packaging
● product forms are limited to oral, oral mucosal, and sublingual formulations only (i.e. no vaping, no topicals)
Summary
Have a medical diagnosis but you don’t know where to turn? We support thousands of patients each year to understand their treatment options. Speak to one of the team today for a Free personalised, no obligation eligibility assessment so you can establish if this avenue is right for you.
