At Cheap Cannabis, we are committed to providing accurate, TGA-compliant information about accessing medicinal cannabis in Australia. Below are answers to common questions regarding eligibility, legal requirements, and how to obtain a prescription.
Medicinal cannabis is available to patients who meet specific eligibility criteria under Australian law. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) does not maintain a fixed list of conditions for which medicinal cannabis can be prescribed. Instead, healthcare professionals assess patients on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as:
A history of chronic or severe symptoms.
Inadequate response to conventional treatments.
The potential benefits of medicinal cannabis as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Patients must consult a registered healthcare professional to determine if medicinal cannabis is appropriate for their condition.
Patients interested in exploring medicinal cannabis treatment should:
Speak with their general practitioner (GP) or specialist about their symptoms and medical history.
Request a referral to a prescribing doctor familiar with medicinal cannabis.
Use online directories or contact licensed clinics specializing in medicinal cannabis consultations.
Ensure the prescribing doctor is authorized under the Special Access Scheme (SAS) or Authorised Prescriber (AP) pathway.
Since most medicinal cannabis products are not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), doctors must obtain approval before prescribing. There are two primary pathways:
Special Access Scheme (SAS-B): A doctor applies to the TGA for individual patient approval.
Authorised Prescriber (AP): A doctor with TGA approval can prescribe specific products to multiple patients without needing separate approval each time.
Patients should discuss these options with their doctor to understand the best approach for their needs.
Medicinal cannabis products are available in various formats, including:
Oils and tinctures – Taken orally or sublingually (under the tongue).
Capsules and tablets – Pre-measured doses for easy administration.
Dried flower – For vaporization (inhalation is only permitted under medical supervision).
Topicals and creams – Used externally for localized effects.
All products must comply with Australian regulations and be prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.
Patients must obtain a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Medicinal cannabis is not available over-the-counter and cannot be purchased without approval from the TGA.
Patients should only source medicinal cannabis from approved Australian pharmacies and licensed suppliers to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.
Driving under the influence of THC-containing medicinal cannabis is illegal in most Australian states and territories. Patients should check their local regulations regarding medicinal cannabis and driving laws.
Patients can travel with their legally prescribed medicinal cannabis within Australia, provided they:
Carry a copy of their prescription and TGA approval (if applicable).
Keep their medication in its original packaging with pharmacy labeling.
Are aware of state-specific regulations, as laws may vary across different jurisdictions.
For international travel, patients should check with the destination country’s authorities before carrying medicinal cannabis overseas, as laws differ significantly.
No. Cheap Cannabis does not sell medicinal cannabis directly to patients. All products are only available through prescription and are dispensed by licensed Australian pharmacies in compliance with TGA and ODC regulations.