We know that when you are in pain or are caring for someone in pain, it is often difficult to do the necessary research or navigate the requirements imposed by the Government.
We thought it may be helpful to provide some information for you to look into further. You can now access MC legally through Medicinal Cannabis clinics that are located nationwide. Please bear in mind though, that Medicinal Cannabis products are not subsidised at all through the Commonwealth Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so you will be paying full fee for the medicine, but at least you know it is a certified, high-grade product grown and manufactured in a safe way and is not contaminated with pesticides, toxins, mould or other contaminants which could further endanger your health. For those with private health cover or DVA please check with your insurers as I do believe some have had part remuneration for consultations and prescriptions depending on level of cover.
Also please note that this is not medical advice, but is just one person’s account of being able to access MC for their pain condition in the hope it gives you some guidance as to how to begin the process. It is up to you to consult with your doctor and have a referral made to the clinic (for a reduced initial consultation fee) or if your doctor is not interested in referring, you can still self refer to the clinic but you will pay a little more for the initial consultation.
An internet search for Australian Medicinal Cannabis Clinics will bring up a list of clinics such as CDA Clinics, Cannvalate, Medical Cannabis Services, Alternaleaf, Australian Access Clinics, Cannadoc and many others. This patient contacted Queensland based CDA Clinic for initial information. All further registration and information was given via their website and their registration form once eligibility was confirmed. It is a simple process but you are required to give a Health Summary and sign a consent form.
You then receive an information pack and have your initial consultation with a doctor, either in person or through Telehealth depending on your location. When completed the doctor is required to submit the application to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval. Once approved you will be contacted by the chemist that is dispensing the medication to arrange payment and pick up or delivery.
Note the CBD oil that has recently been approved for over the counter purchase from a pharmacy (no stock currently available) is only a low dose isolate and not full spectrum product that is available through prescription. Please do your own research on the difference between an isolate and full spectrum product and the potential benefits provided with each.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will do our best to assist in any way we can!
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