While medical cannabis availability is still restricted compared to other regions of the world, many Special Access Scheme prescriptions are authorised within 48 hours. Medical cannabis laws differ slightly from state to state. However, any doctor can now apply to prescribe cannabis in most states.
Pathways To Medical Marijuana
In Australia, there are around 15,000 active medical cannabis patients. To some, that may appear to be a large number; to others, it may be small. In Australia, acquiring a medical cannabis prescription is not always straightforward. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor or a specialist to gain legal access to medical cannabis products in some circumstances. But, on the other hand, many doctors have no idea how it works.
Which Doctors Have the Authority to Prescribe Medical Marijuana?
Any doctor can prescribe medical marijuana in Australia if it is clinically warranted. However, given its long history of stigma and misunderstanding, most doctors do not consider marijuana a treatment.
It can be challenging to persuade your general doctor to prescribe medical marijuana. Given the unregistered status of cannabis medications, there will be a lot of paperwork needed, even if they are open to it.
Doctors must generally apply to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) under the Special Access Scheme, allowing doctors to prescribe unregistered drugs like medical marijuana. However, some doctors have applied to become Authorised Prescribers, allowing them to prescribe various medical cannabis products without going via the TGA.
Why Are Some Doctors Hesitant To Recommend Cannabis As A Treatment Option?
The first job of a doctor is to protect the safety of their patients. To feel comfortable prescribing a novel medicine, a doctor needs evidence – high-quality clinical research involving carefully designed studies in humans – demonstrating that the treatment is safe and effective.
Despite abundant anecdotal evidence that cannabis is a natural, benign product, cannabis medication, like any experimental medicine, carries the possibility of side effects. These concerns include how it interacts with other medications and the unknown nature of its potential adverse effects. Anecdotes do not constitute proof in the eyes of doctors.
The limits on prescription cannabis medicines in NSW are similar to those in place for various other substances, including some severe acne medications, ADHD and narcolepsy medications, and medications for people who have a history of drug addiction. Patients must also reveal if they have previously been prescribed cannabis medicine or are currently being treated for drug addiction by another doctor. This guarantees that the patient’s care is better coordinated under the supervision of their treating doctors.
Cann I Help is here to help you find an improved quality of life and relief, so contact us today if you want to know how to get a prescription for medical marijuana.