The cannabis treatment in ACT is available for certain medical conditions and is prescribed by your health practitioner. Cannabis clinics are experts in the prescription process of cannabis that suits various illnesses and disorders.
Note: The information given on this page is not medical advice and should be taken in conjunction with medical professional advice. Individuals wanting medical advice on this issue should consult their local healthcare professionals.
Australia’s Capital Territory established the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme on the 21st of November 2016 (Read More). The medical cannabis scheme provides patients with both safe and legal access to medical quality cannabis products to treat specified illnesses and disorders. Any medical doctor has the ability to prescribe medicinal cannabis, as long as they believe it is clinically appropriate. As part of the scheme, patients with their doctor’s approval and application on behalf of the patient can apply for category 6 - medical cannabis prescription.
Category 6 include:
There are two exceptions that require further special approval, children under the age of 16 and patients with a history of drug abuse.
If your doctor believes it is appropriate to incorporate cannabis as an additional treatment, an application will be submitted to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Based on the ‘Special Access Scheme’, approval will be based on the severity of your condition and type of medical treatment already underway. TGA government approval is required to be granted cannabis treatment (2 - 4 weeks estimated time).
Talk to your treating doctor about whether medicinal cannabis may be suitable as a treatment for you.
You will be required to give informed consent and sign that you are aware of the effects of THC and the laws against operating heavy machinery if medical cannabis contains primarily THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) rather than CBD Cannabidiol.
Your GP will contact the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval to allow the supply of the product.
Your GP will also need to arrange for a pharmacy to dispense the medication to you within your local area.
Research has shown that cannabis use has an effect on a person’s ability to drive (Read More). Unlike alcohol, there is no specific concentration of cannabis that can be identified as an indicator of impairment. It is illegal for any patient being treated with medicinal cannabis containing THC to drive while undergoing treatment.
If a patient is at school, they can have the prescribed product administered at school in the same way as other medicines. Medicinal cannabis is not a “rescue” medication, and it would not be given in an emergency situation. Children usually receive doses of medical cannabis twice a day, therefore it’s unlikely to be required at school with a morning/evening schedule.
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