Medical cannabis has been legally available in Australia since 2016, yet many patients are still unclear about how to access it. The process is straightforward once you understand the regulatory framework. This guide explains who can prescribe medical cannabis, what pathways exist, and what to expect as a patient.
Is Medical Cannabis Legal in Australia?
Yes. Medical cannabis is a legal, regulated medicine in Australia, overseen by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It is not available over the counter and requires a prescription from a registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner who has met specific requirements.
It is distinct from recreational cannabis, which remains illegal across most of Australia. Medical cannabis is prescribed as part of a clinical care plan, for patients whose conditions have not responded adequately to conventional treatments.
Who Can Prescribe Medical Cannabis?
Any Australian-registered medical practitioner or eligible nurse practitioner can prescribe medical cannabis, provided they have the relevant TGA authorisation. There are two primary prescription pathways:
Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme
Under the Authorised Prescriber scheme, a doctor applies to the TGA for approval to prescribe medical cannabis to a class of patients with a specific condition. Once approved, they can prescribe without seeking individual patient-by-patient TGA approval. This streamlines access and reduces delays for patients.
Care Direct doctors are Authorised Prescribers, which means your consultation can move efficiently from assessment to prescription without unnecessary administrative delays.
Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B)
Under SAS-B, a prescriber applies to the TGA for approval to supply medical cannabis to a specific individual patient. Approval typically takes 24 to 48 business hours. This pathway is commonly used by general practitioners who prescribe medical cannabis less frequently.
What Conditions May Be Considered?
Medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment in Australia. It is generally considered where a patient has a diagnosed chronic condition and has trialled conventional treatments without adequate relief, or has experienced significant side effects from those treatments.
Conditions commonly assessed include, but are not limited to:
-
Chronic non-cancer pain
-
Sleep disorders
-
Anxiety
-
Palliative care needs
-
Neurological conditions
Eligibility is assessed by your treating doctor on a case-by-case basis. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee a prescription. Your doctor will consider your full clinical picture, including your medical history, current medications, and prior treatment history.
Step-by-Step: How to Access Medical Cannabis Through a Telehealth Clinic
-
Complete an eligibility screening. Most clinics, including Care Direct, offer a short online screening to assess whether a telehealth consultation is likely to be appropriate for your situation.
-
Book a telehealth consultation. If screening indicates you may be suitable, you will be invited to book a consultation with a Care Direct Authorised Prescriber. No referral from your GP is required.
-
Attend your consultation. Your doctor will review your medical history, current medications, and treatment history. They will assess whether medical cannabis is clinically appropriate and discuss your options with you.
-
Receive your prescription. If medical cannabis is deemed appropriate, your Authorised Prescriber will issue an electronic prescription (eScript), which can be dispensed at an authorised Australian pharmacy.
-
Ongoing monitoring. Access to medical cannabis is not a one-off event. At Care Direct, we provide continuous care, reviewing your treatment at regular intervals to assess effectiveness, adjust dosing if needed, and support your overall wellbeing.
Do I Need a Referral?
No. You do not need a referral from your GP to consult with a Care Direct doctor. However, having recent medical records or specialist letters available will assist your doctor in conducting a thorough clinical assessment.
How Long Does the Process Take?
From completing your eligibility screening to receiving your first prescription, most patients can expect the process to take a small number of days, depending on appointment availability and individual clinical circumstances.
Taking the Next Step
If you have a chronic condition and have been unable to find adequate relief through conventional treatments, medical cannabis may be worth discussing with a qualified prescriber. Care Direct provides TGA-compliant telehealth consultations with Authorised Prescribers, Australia-wide.
Complete our short eligibility screening to find out whether a consultation may be suitable for you.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your individual circumstances is a clinical decision made by your treating doctor.