Where can I buy medical cannabis in Australia?

You need a prescription to access medicinal cannabis. Find out where you can find doctors who may be able to prescribe medical cannabis Australia wide.

Medical Cannabis Australia - Levin Health

Learn more about medicinal cannabis

Medicinal cannabis is a term used to describe a range of cannabis-based pharmaceutical preparations that undergo quality assurance and are specifically intended for therapeutic purposes. In Australia, medical cannabinoids can be prescribed by doctors to address various symptoms associated with different health conditions. Doctors may prescribe medical marijuana Australia wide, allowing patients to access these prescribed treatments. Medical cannabis products come in various forms, including oils, extracts, tinctures, tablets, and dry flowers, providing flexibility in administration.

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.

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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 cannabinoids. Gathering more data is crucial to accurately quantify the risks and benefits associated with treatment. Dosages, administration methods and forms of medicinal marijuanas Australia wide can vary drastically when it comes to using it as a treatment, and there is a lack of clear supportive information to be derived from clinical studies, which can make decision-making challenging.

To increase confidence in prescribing medicinal marijuana, healthcare professionals may require more robust evidence from conducted studies to support its benefits. This typically occurs once other conventional treatment avenues have been explored and ruled out for a patient. Conducting well-designed clinical trials and research studies would contribute to building a more comprehensive understanding of medicinal cannabis, its potential therapeutic applications, optimal dosages, and administration methods.

It is important for patients to engage in open and informed discussions with their healthcare providers to assess individual circumstances, evaluate potential benefits and risks, and make well-informed decisions regarding the use of medicinal cannabis as a treatment option.       

The therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis

Medicinal marijuanas, also known as medicinal cannabis, can be used for various therapeutic purposes. The active compounds in cannabis, such as cannabinoids, are believed to be an alternative option for managing symptoms associated with numerous health conditions.

Although there are multiple forms, dosages, and administration methods available for medicinal cannabis, there is a lack of clinical study-based evidence to support their potential benefits. Further research is necessary to compare various medications with medicinal cannabis to gain insights into how various treatment can be used in a clinical setting.

How to access medical cannabinoids in Australia

To give people legal access to quality-assured medicinal cannabis products, access is allowed via the Special Access Scheme. This scheme allows patients to obtain unapproved medicines, including medical cannabis, under the supervision of a doctor’s prescription. The primary objective is to ensure the availability of medical marijuanas Australia wide, adhering to the country’s stringent quality standards. Under the legal access pathways, a doctor may be permitted to prescribe medical cannabis if it is deemed necessary for a patient’s circumstances. The process for accessing medicinal cannabinoids in Australia may vary between states.

With the necessary approvals from the State Health Department and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), any qualified medical doctor or nurse practitioner is authorised to prescribe medicinal cannabinoids Australia wide. Here is an overview of the process:

Consultation with a General Practitioner (GP)
Schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss your medical condition and the challenges you are facing in managing it effectively

Evaluation of Suitability
If your GP determines that medicinal marijuana could be a suitable option for your condition, they will carefully assess your medical history and unique circumstances to select the most appropriate product.

Prescription Approval
Following the selection of suitable medical cannabinoids, your doctor will submit an application to the relevant government authorities for approval of your prescription. This step is crucial to ensure compliance with legal regulations and enable you to buy medical marijuana in Australia.

Cannabis Dispensary
Upon receiving approval, your doctor will provide you with a cannabis prescription for the specific products. As a patient in Australia, you can take your prescription to a pharmacy authorised as a cannabis dispensary, where you will receive the prescribed products.

If you believe that a medical cannabis prescription might be beneficial for your condition, it is important to initiate a conversation with your GP. Share detailed information about your medical condition, symptoms, and the challenges you are experiencing. Your GP will carefully evaluate your situation and determine whether medicinal cannabis is a suitable treatment option. Establishing a good rapport and trusting relationship with your GP is crucial, as they will guide you through the process, explore all available options, and provide other recommendations based on their expertise.

The decision to prescribe medicinal cannabis in Australia is based on a comprehensive assessment of your individual circumstances and the available scientific evidence. Your GP will act in your best interest, ensuring your ongoing health and well-being while considering all possible treatment avenues.        Self-medication or recreational use of cannabis remains illegal. By following the legal pathways and consulting with healthcare professionals, individuals can navigate the process and use medical marijuana in accordance with Australian regulations.   

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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.

Administration methods for medicinal cannabis

There are several methods available for individuals to take medical marijuana, allowing them to find a delivery method that suits their preferences and medical needs.

Medicinal cannabis - Inhalation

Inhalation

medical marijuana can be smoked using a pipe, vaporiser, or rolled into a joint. Inhalation provides quick onset of effects, which might be more suitable for managing acute symptoms.

Medical cannabis - Oral consumption

Oral consumption

involves ingesting medical marijuana in the form of capsules, oils, tinctures, or edibles. This method has a slower onset but may provide longer-lasting effects.

Sublingual Cannabis

Sublingual administration

involves placing cannabis extracts or tinctures under the tongue, allowing for faster absorption into the bloodstream.

Topical Medical Marijuanas

Topical application

where medical marijuana-infused creams, lotions, or patches are applied directly to the skin to target localised pain or inflammation.

Each method has its own advantages, and the choice depends on factors such as the desired effects, the specific medical condition being treated, and personal preference. It is important to consult with healthcare professionals and follow their guidance on dosing and administration methods to ensure safe and effective use of medical marijuana.        

Cannabis clinics and medical cannabis companies in Australia

In Australia, medical marijuanas have gained significant attention as a potential treatment option for various health conditions. As a result, the demand for cannabis clinics and medical cannabis products has increased. Medical cannabis clinics play a crucial role in providing expert guidance and access to Australia’s medical marijuana. These clinics are staffed with healthcare professionals and cannabis doctors in Australia who specialise in cannabis-based therapies and can assist patients in determining whether medical cannabis is suitable for their needs.

Various cannabis companies in Australia have emerged to meet the growing demand, offering a range of quality-controlled medical cannabis products, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and more. These companies adhere to strict regulations and quality standards to ensure their product meets the expectations of the Australian public. If you are considering medicinal marijuana as a treatment option, consulting a reputable cannabis clinic and exploring the offerings of trusted cannabis companies in Australia can provide valuable insights and access to quality products tailored to your specific needs.       

Below you will find an independent telehealth clinic with a team of healthcare professionals trained and experienced in medical cannabis treatments. If you wish to consult a doctor who is familiar with prescribing medical cannabis in Australia, choose your preferred option to book an appointment and discuss your condition with cannabis doctors in Australia. 

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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 above to book an appointment with a healthcare professional.

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Greencare is an independent telehealth clinic who are not affiliated with Levin Health.

Levin Health provides links to independent clinics that provide telehealth services for patients around Australia. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professionals with any questions regarding your health, medical condition, or whether a particular treatment is right for you.

FAQs

Can cannabis be a registered medicine?

Yes, however, there are currently only two registered cannabis products in Australia. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s regulatory authority for therapeutic goods, oversees the registration process for medicinal cannabis products. These products undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure their safety, quality, and efficacy before they can be legally prescribed and used for medical purposes. Unregistered cannabis medicines are available only through authorised healthcare professionals and approved pharmacies with a valid cannabis prescription. Unregistered cannabis medicines are still overseen by the TGA to ensure quality, and are made available to patients via the special access or authorised prescriber schemes.

How is medicinal cannabis regulated in Australia?

Medicinal cannabis in Australia is tightly regulated to ensure patient safety and the quality of products. The TGA oversees the regulation of medical cannabis through a comprehensive process. Cannabis-based products are classified as Schedule 8 controlled substances and require appropriate licensing and permits for cultivation, production, and distribution. Strict guidelines are in place to govern the prescribing, supply, and use of medicinal cannabis. The regulatory framework ensures that patients have access to reliable and standardised medical weed in Australia while maintaining strict controls to prevent misuse.

How can I access medical cannabis in Australia?

Accessing medical marijuana in Australia requires a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Patients must have a qualifying medical condition that is responsive to cannabis-based treatments and have exhausted other conventional treatment options. The Special Access Scheme (SAS) and the Authorised Prescriber Scheme provide pathways for doctors to legally prescribe medical cannabis products to eligible patients. Patients can consult with their healthcare provider to determine if medicinal cannabis is a suitable treatment option and to initiate the process to legally buy medical marijuanas in Australia.

How long does it take for medical cannabis to take effect?

The time it takes for medical cannabis to take effect can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s metabolism, the form of cannabis used (such as oils, tinctures, or capsules), and the method of administration (oral ingestion, sublingual absorption, or inhalation). The duration and intensity of the effects differ greatly among individuals, so it’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

What is the Australian law on medical cannabis?

In Australia, medical marijuanas are regulated under federal and state laws. The Narcotic Drugs Act 1967, along with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, forms the legal framework for the cultivation, production, and supply of medicinal marijuana. The use of marijuana in Australia is permitted for specific medical conditions when prescribed by authorised healthcare professionals. Each state and territory may have additional regulations and requirements for the access, distribution, and possession of medicinal cannabis products. It’s important for patients and healthcare providers to stay updated with the current laws and guidelines to ensure compliance and safe use of medical marijuana in Australia.

Specific regulations and requirements may vary over time and it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals and relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on accessing and using medical cannabis in Australia.