Updated Guide to Medicinal Cannabis in Australia (2025)

In recent years, Australia has seen a dramatic increase in the use and acceptance of medicinal cannabis. With evolving regulations and growing public interest, it's essential to understand the current landscape of medicinal cannabis in the country.

Understanding Medicinal Cannabis

Medicinal cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis plant and its components, such as cannabinoids, for medical purposes. Unlike recreational cannabis use, which remains illegal in most parts of Australia, medicinal cannabis is legally accessible under specific conditions.

Accessing Medicinal Cannabis

1. Special Access Scheme (SAS)

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) oversees the Special Access Scheme, allowing medical practitioners to prescribe unapproved medicinal cannabis products to individual patients. This pathway is commonly used for patients with chronic pain, mental health conditions, and other ailments where conventional treatments have failed.

2. Authorised Prescriber Scheme

Under this scheme, medical professionals can become authorized to prescribe specific medicinal cannabis products to patients with particular medical conditions. This approach streamlines the prescription process for eligible patients.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for medicinal cannabis treatment, patients typically need to:

•    Have a diagnosed medical condition such as chronic pain, epilepsy, or post-                      traumatic stress disorder.

•    Demonstrate that conventional treatments have been ineffective or caused                    significant side effects.

•    Be under the care of a medical practitioner willing to prescribe medicinal cannabis.

Clinical Trials and Research

Australian researchers, including those from the University of Sydney, are actively conducting clinical trials to assess the efficacy of medical cannabis for various conditions. These studies aim to provide robust scientific evidence to support the therapeutic use of cannabis.

Types of Medicinal Cannabis Products

Medicinal cannabis products come in various forms, including:

•    Oils and Tinctures: Commonly used for precise dosing.

•    Capsules and Tablets: Offer a familiar method of administration.

•    510 threaded vape cartridges: Extracted oil that can provide a deeper and quick                effect.

•    Dried Cannabis Flower: Used for vaporization; smoking is generally discouraged for            medical purposes.

The composition of cannabis products varies, with different ratios of THC and CBD to target specific symptoms. I strongly advice discussing your needs with your prescribing doctor. Not all methods are appropriate for all users. 

Legal Landscape Across Australian States

While the federal government regulates medicinal cannabis, individual Australian states and territories have their own laws and guidelines:

•    Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Permits personal use and home cultivation under              certain conditions.

•    Victoria: The Victorian government has implemented programs to facilitate access to            medicinal cannabis.

•    South Australia and Western Australia: Follow federal guidelines but have specific state-      level regulations.

•    Northern Territory: Adheres to federal laws with additional local stipulations.

•    New South Wales: Has implemented programs to facilitate access to medicinal                      cannabis.

It's crucial for patients and healthcare professionals to be aware of the laws specific to their region and in my humble opinion respect will only be shown the plant when partakers also show respect to those in their vicinity. 

Driving and Medicinal Cannabis

Driving under the influence of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, is illegal across Australia. Even if prescribed for medical reasons, the presence of THC can result in penalties. Recent discussions have highlighted the need for updated roadside impairment tests to differentiate between medicinal use and impairment. 

Cost and Subsidies

The cost of medicinal cannabis can be a barrier for some patients. Currently, most medicinal cannabis products are not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), meaning patients often bear the full cost. However, certain products like nabiximols (Sativex) and cannabidiol (Epidyolex) are included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for specific conditions.

Trends and Usage Patterns

Data from the Australian Institute of Health indicates that a higher proportion of young people are exploring medicinal cannabis for various conditions. The CAMS-18 surveys have shown changing patterns of cannabis use, with a shift towards therapeutic applications.

Role of Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals, including general practitioners and specialists, play an essential role in the medical use of cannabis. They assess patient eligibility, navigate the regulatory pathways, and monitor treatment outcomes. Ongoing education and training are vital to ensure safe and effective prescribing practices.

Regulatory Bodies and Legislation

Several bodies oversee the regulation of medicinal cannabis in Australia:

•    Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA): Responsible for regulating therapeutic              goods, including medicinal cannabis.

•    Office of Drug Control (ODC): Manages the licensing for the cultivation of cannabis          for scientific purposes.

•    Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA): Ensures healthcare professionals adhere to national standards.

Legislation such as the Narcotic Drugs Act governs the cultivation and distribution of medicinal cannabis.

Cultivation and Production

The cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes is strictly regulated. Individuals cannot grow cannabis for personal use, even for medical reasons. Licensed producers must comply with stringent quality standards to ensure high-quality products for patients.

Educational Resources and Support

The Therapeutic Goods Administration provides comprehensive guidance documents for both patients and health professionals. There are also a number of patient advocacy groups and informational platforms to help consumers navigate the complexities of accessing medicinal cannabis in Australia.

Conclusion

Medicinal cannabis in Australia continues to evolve with ongoing research, policy updates, and growing acceptance by the public and healthcare providers. While challenges remain, especially around cost and legal consistency, Australia is steadily building a regulated and evidence-based approach to cannabis for medical use. For those considering it, the first step is always to talk to a knowledgeable medical practitioner about your symptoms and explore whether medicinal cannabis is a suitable treatment option.

  |  

More Posts

FAQ

Same-Day Dispatch

We are committed to prompt service. All orders placed and paid for by 12:00 PM (midday AEST) on business days are dispatched the same day via Australia Post. Orders received after this cutoff will be shipped the next business day.​

Secure & Discreet Packaging

Your privacy and the safety of your items are our top priorities. We use high-quality, discreet packaging materials to ensure your order arrives securely and maintains confidentiality.​

Video Recording of the Packing Process

To uphold quality assurance and transparency, we video record the entire packing process for every order. This
includes documenting the condition of the items and the packaging before
handing them over to Australia Post. These recordings serve as a reference to
verify the condition of your order at the time of dispatch.

Eligibility for Returns


We accept returns under the following conditions:


Timeframe: Returns must be initiated within 5 days of receiving your order.
Product Condition: Items must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging, with the packaging in the same condition as when received.
Proof of Purchase: A valid proof of purchase (e.g., receipt, order confirmation) is required.

Important Notes

Change of Mind: Returns due to a change of mind are not accepted.
Damaged or Faulty Items: If your item is damaged or faulty, please refer to our Handling Damaged Deliveries section.

Return Process

1. Contact Us: Reach out to our customer service team within 5 days of receiving your order to initiate a return.
2. Return Authorization: Once your return is approved, we will provide you with a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and instructions on how to return the item.
3. Shipping: You are responsible for the cost of returning the item. We recommend using a trackable shipping service to ensure the item reaches us safely.
4. Inspection and Refund: Upon receiving and inspecting the returned item, we will process your refund to the original payment method within 5 business days, provided all return conditions are met.

If you discover that your items are damaged upon opening:


1. Document the Damage:
o Take clear photographs of the damaged item(s), the packaging (including any visible damage), and the parcel label showing the tracking number.
o Retain all original packaging materials, as they may be required for the claim assessment.
2. Record the Unboxing:
o We highly recommend video recording the unboxing process. This documentation is crucial for any potential claims regarding damaged or missing items.
3. Lodge a Claim with Australia Post:
o As the recipient, you are required to lodge a claim directly with Australia Post for any damages incurred during transit.
o Visit your nearest Australia Post Office with the damaged item and original packaging to complete a damage report.
o Provide valid photo identification (e.g., driver's licence) to comply with Australia Post's privacy regulations.
o Request and complete the Green PM26 Form, ensuring you include the tracking number. This form links the claim to our account details, facilitating the refund process.
o Note: Only the person to whom the item is addressed can lodge the claim.
4. Provide Us with the Claim Reference:
o After lodging the claim, please send us the receipt and reference number provided by Australia Post. This will allow us to assist you in following up on the claim and provide any necessary support.

For more detailed information on lodging a compensation claim, please refer to Australia Post's official guidelines: Australia Post Compensation

Please note that under Australian Consumer Law, consumers have the right to a remedy if a product is faulty, not fit for purpose, or does not match the description. However, businesses are not required to accept returns for change of mind purchases. Legal Kitz
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team.

If the product is returned due to a fault, not being as described, or an error on our part, then WAL will cover the shipping cost for the return.


Please note:
We do not accept change of mind returns, and all return requests must meet our return policy criteria (i.e., within 5 days, in original unopened packaging, and in the same condition as received).