Looking for medicinal cannabis in Melbourne?
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Medicinal cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, has been legally available to Australians since the establishment of legal access pathways in 2016. Medicinal cannabis is a highly regulated prescription medicine in Australia, and just like other prescription medications, patients will require a prescription to access medicinal cannabis in Melbourne.
In this article, we will help you to understand how you can seek access to medical marijuana Melbourne-wide, answer some questions about accessing medicinal cannabis, describe how doctors may be able to prescribe medical cannabinoids Melbourne-wide, as well as briefly discuss the role that medicinal cannabis (sometimes referred to as ‘medical marijuana’) may play in managing health conditions for patients seeking medical cannabis in Victoria.
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Learn more about medicinal cannabis and access to Medical Marijuana in Melbourne
The term medicinal cannabis refers to a selection of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis preparations that meet very tightly controlled regulatory requirements intended for therapeutic use. In Australia, medical cannabinoids may be prescribed to treat various symptoms present in various health conditions where other treatments have failed. Doctors may prescribe medical marijuanas Melbourne-wide and across Australia. Medicinal cannabis products come in many forms and can include oils, extracts, tinctures, tablets, and dry flowers.
Do I need a prescription to obtain medical cannabis in Melbourne?
Yes, all medicinal cannabis products are scheduled as prescription medicines in Australia and as such, you need a prescription to access medicinal cannabis just as you would any other prescription product.
With the approval of the Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA), any suitably trained medical professional, such as a GP or nurse practitioner, can prescribe medicinal cannabinoids in Victoria, with a brief and overview of the process as follows:
- Visit your GP for a consultation where you explain your condition and the difficulties you’re facing with its management. Remember to discuss all the previous treatments you have tried and how well they have worked.
- If the prescriber agrees that medicinal cannabis might be appropriate for your condition, they will choose the most suitable medical cannabinoid treatment for you.
- The prescriber will then apply to have your prescription approved by the government so you can access medical marijuana Melbourne-wide.
- Following approval, your doctor will provide you with a prescription for medicinal cannabis. Melbourne patients can take this prescription to the pharmacy where the products will be dispensed.
While they are able to legally prescribe medicinal cannabis, many medical healthcare professionals are not comfortable with prescribing as they lack experience or data regarding its use. You may need to seek out medical healthcare professionals experienced in prescribing medicinal cannabis.
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What treatment pathways exist for patients wanting to access Medical Cannabinoids in Melbourne?
For patients, the first and most important step is to discuss your condition with your doctor and ask if medicinal cannabis is suitable for you.
To give people legal access to quality-assured medicinal cannabis products, access to medicinal cannabis is allowed via the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s Special Access Scheme (also known as the “SAS”) or Authorised Prescriber Scheme (also known as the “APS”), which allows for access to unapproved medicines across Australia with a prescription from your medical practitioner. The aim is to provide legal access to medical cannabis Victoria and Australia-wide, where appropriate, that meets Australia’s quality expectations.
Finding a GP and having a good relationship with them is sometimes difficult, but trusting someone to make the right decisions for your ongoing health and advocating for you is important. GPs will also help you to explore all options and make other recommendations when it comes to prescribing you medicinal cannabis in Melbourne.
Common questions about Medicinal Cannabis
What is medicinal cannabis used for? Which medicinal cannabis is right for me?
As there is a need for better quality exploration and more in-depth studies of potential benefits, there are limitations associated with the known safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis. Melbourne healthcare professionals, and healthcare professionals around Australia, are allowed to prescribe medicinal cannabis for any condition that they decide that medicinal cannabis could be an appropriate treatment option for.
It is important to note that because there are limited studies on the use of medicinal cannabis to treat different symptoms and conditions, there is also limited information on the appropriate dosages, administration methods and forms of medicinal cannabis for each condition. As such, the form of medicinal cannabis prescribed can vary drastically when it comes to using it as a treatment, as there is a lack of clear supportive information to be derived from clinical evidence.
Doctors may be more likely to prescribe medical cannabinoids Melbourne-wide if more studies have been conducted to support its benefits once other avenues have been ruled out for a patient.
Currently, most medicinal cannabis products are not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and are not available as registered prescription medicines. This is the same as in most other countries. Medical cannabis in Victoria must be accessed by the approved pathways available for unapproved medicines (SAS or APS).
How does medicinal cannabis work?
Medical cannabis products contain varying levels of active compounds, called ‘cannabinoids’. Medicinal cannabis works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a system within our body that helps regulate various bodily functions. This system consists of receptors located throughout the body, such as the brain, immune system, and nervous system.
Different cannabinoids may have different effects, depending on which endocannabinoids receptors they interact with.
Cannabis contains hundreds of cannabinoids, but the two most well-known ones are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis, while CBD is non-intoxicating.
The research into medicinal cannabis is limited, so it’s not clear at the moment how medicinal cannabis works to help certain symptoms or conditions.
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Greencare is an independent telehealth clinic who are not affiliated with Levin Health.
What is the difference between medicinal cannabis and marijuana?
It is important to understand that medicinal cannabis and recreational marijuana are not the same.
Medicinal cannabis (medical marijuana) has been available to all Australians as an unapproved therapeutic good for the treatment of medical conditions since 2016. Medicinal cannabis products are subject to strict regulations and legal frameworks.
Marijuana is the term used for an illicit drug that is often used recreationally. The chemical composition of illicit marijuana is unregulated, may be unpredictable, and could contain higher levels of cannabinoid strains responsible for psychoactive effects. It is important to understand that recreational marijuana has not undergone any safety or quality testing and is illegal to use for medicinal purposes.
Are there any specific eligibility criteria for obtaining medicinal cannabis in Melbourne?
In Victoria, medical cannabis can be used to treat various medical conditions and is completely up to the clinical discretion of the prescribing medical practitioner. There are no pre-defined eligibility criteria. The eligibility for medical cannabis treatment is assessed on a case-by-case basis by a trained medical professional. Any medical condition can technically call for a medicinal cannabis prescription by their prescriber if they believe it is clinically appropriate.
What medical conditions can be treated with medical cannabis in Victoria?
There are no specific conditions for which medicinal cannabis is approved for, so it is completely at the discretion of the prescribing medical practitioner regarding what medicinal cannabis is prescribed for. Some medical conditions that may be considered for treatment with medicinal cannabinoids in Victoria include multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, or chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
If you are experiencing a specific medical condition, it is worthwhile to discuss your condition with a doctor who specialises in your condition, as they may have more experience in finding a treatment that may work for you. If you believe that seeking medical cannabinoids in Melbourne might help your condition after exhausting other treatment options, speak with a medical professional for advice.
Are there different forms of medicinal cannabis available in Victoria?
Several forms of medicinal cannabis are available. Available medicinal cannabis products in Victoria can include oils, extracts, tinctures, tablets, and dry flowers. Data shows that one of the most commonly prescribed formulations of medicinal cannabis includes CBD oil. Melbourne patients who have exhausted other approved treatment options may benefit from discussing medicinal cannabis with their GP.
These formulations are considered unapproved therapeutic goods by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and may only be supplied by a trained medical professional via the described available legal frameworks.
What is the cost of medicinal marijuanas in Melbourne?
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) does not cover medicinal cannabis. The cost of medicinal cannabis can vary greatly depending on the product and can cost anywhere from $50 to $1000 per week. The cost depends on many factors, especially the condition being treated, the product, and the dose.
In most cases, private health insurance providers do not cover the cost of medicinal cannabis. However, it is worth checking with your specific insurance provider for any exceptions or coverage options.
How long does it take to get approved for a medicinal cannabis prescription in Melbourne?
There is no one answer to how long it may take for the government to approve access to medical cannabinoids in Melbourne. The process involves a comprehensive consultation with a medical or nurse practitioner before they make an application to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on your behalf.
After approval, the specific product selected by the prescriber needs to be ordered and delivered to a pharmacy to be dispensed. The process could take several weeks from start to finish.
What are the laws in Victoria for patients to consume medicinal cannabis?
Since 2016, patients seeking medical marijuana in Victoria can access medicinal cannabis products with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner, including a GP or nurse practitioner following approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). If you have a valid prescription and have sourced the approved medicinal product from a pharmacy, then it is legal for you to consume medicinal cannabis in Victoria.
Medicinal cannabis products can only be obtained with a valid prescription from an authorised medical practitioner. Self-medication or recreational use is not legally permitted in Victoria.
Are there any age restrictions for accessing medical cannabis in Melbourne, Victoria?
While there are no specific age restrictions for accessing medicinal cannabinoids in Melbourne, the process may take more time. Your doctor or nurse practitioner is required to provide a clinical justification for medicinal cannabis as part of a comprehensive medical consultation.
For patients under 18 years of age, this includes evidence of support from a paediatric specialist or relevant medical specialist.
Medicinal cannabis may not be appropriate for some older people due to other medicines or medical conditions. Your medical professional will advise whether they feel that medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment for you.
If you are struggling with chronic pain, it’s important you speak with a healthcare professional for advice. Greencare is a telehealth clinic offering consultations with doctors and nurse practitioners who specialise in the management of chronic pain. If you want to talk about your condition and alternative treatment options that may be available for you, you can click below to book an appointment with a healthcare professional.
Greencare is an independent telehealth clinic who are not affiliated with Levin Health.
Can I drive while undergoing treatment with medicinal cannabis or CBD oil in Melbourne?
The use of medicinal cannabis products containing THC may decrease a patient’s ability to perform some tasks due to its impairing effects on mental alertness and physical coordination.
It is illegal to drive while under the influence of any substance that affects your ability to drive safely, including medicinal cannabis. In Victoria, there are strict laws regarding driving under the influence of drugs. The presence of THC (the main psychoactive component in cannabis) in your system can result in impaired driving and lead to legal penalties.
If you are using prescribed medicinal cannabis, it is recommended to follow the advice of your healthcare provider. It can be best to seek advice from a team who are familiar with the specifics of prescribing medical marijuanas in Melbourne, and seeking the advice of a cannabis clinic in Melbourne may be useful.
Does medicinal cannabis interact with my other medicines?
There could be potential interactions between medicinal cannabis and other medications that you are taking, including over-the-counter products or supplements. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to provide clinical guidance on the interactions between medicinal cannabis and other products. As most cannabinoid products enter the liver and the central nervous system, there are likely to be significant interactions with medications, over-the-counter products and supplements that also interact with these body systems.
Medicinal cannabis may add to the sedative effects of other medicines.
To understand any potential interactions between medicinal cannabis and your other medications, it is advised to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
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