Medicinal Cannabis Australia | Canwell Australia

Outside of the possession, use and cultivation of small amounts in the Australian Capital Territory, cannabis is strictly illegal in Australia from a recreational perspective. However, if prescribed by an authorised doctor or approved by the TGA via the SAS system, cannabis is legal to hold and consume for medical purposes. There are numerous cannabis products available as medicine and not all contain the psychoactive molecule THC, which is responsible for the ‘high’ some products deliver. It is important that you speak with you doctor on what restrictions may be in place with the medication you are on (i.e. Can I drive if I use marijuana medicinally?)

As cannabis is considered an illicit narcotic drug in Australia, only approved licence holders are allowed under federal law to cultivate, manufacture and distribute cannabis products specifically for research or medicinal use. Currently, all medical cannabis products are considered a Schedule 4 or a Schedule 8, with only one being listed on the PBS as of April 2021. Licence applicants are required to meet numerous preconditions, including criminal history checks.

The first step is to take the Eligibility Test which takes about 60 seconds to complete. From there, you will be able to book an appointment with a Canwell Australia doctor who will confirm if medicinal marijuana is suitable for your condition/s. Moreover, it is advised that you speak with your regular GP to discuss your interest in exploring plant-based medicine and request them to complete a referral letter.

While many doctors in Australia can prescribe Medicinal Marijuana, many have not undergone the required training or been privy to all of the emerging research. As such, it is recommended that you consult a specifically trained doctor such as those on the Canwell Australia platform. With that being said, it is advantageous to both the prescribing doctor and the patient if a referral letter from your regular GP is provided. This ensures doctors have the required information from your GP and reduces the risks of conflicting medications being prescribed. Moreover, it saves you, the patient, time and the money by reducing the required length of the consultation.

The decision to try medicinal cannabis is a decision that requires sufficient research and advocacy from a general practitioner. There are many factors to consider including but not limited to; medical history, previous relationship with cannabis and employment status (i.e. many sectors have a zero-tolerance approach to THC in the bloodstream). As such, it is recommended that the individual who is seeking medicinal cannabis contact a Canwell Australia doctor directly, ideally having pre-align and receiving a Referral Form from their usual GP. As mentioned in the ‘My child is under 18, are they still eligible for treatment?’ question, any patients below the age of 16 will be required to have a legal guardian present for the initial consultation. 

Each state has slightly different regulations relating to the prescription of Schedule 8 Medicinal Cannabis products to juniors, however, it is to be expected that the overwhelming majority of said prescriptions will require special approval at the state level (in accordance with the Children and Young Persons Care and Protection Act 1998). Please note: This process will be managed by your Canwell Australia doctor. All patients under the age of 18 will require a legal guardian present for the initial consultation.