What Is Medicinal Cannabis? A Beginner's Guide for Australians
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
If you're curious about medicinal cannabis, whether it's legal, and how the process works, this guide covers the essentials.
Key takeaways
Medicinal cannabis is legal in Australia, but only accessible through a prescription.
It is different from recreational cannabis in both composition and regulation.
A qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner must assess your suitability before any prescription is issued.
Like any treatment, there are potential benefits and risks worth talking through with a practitioner.
What is medicinal cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis refers to cannabis-based products prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.
It’s manufactured to pharmaceutical standards
These aren't the same as products you'd find outside the medical system. They're made to pharmaceutical standards and come with proper quality and regulatory oversight.
They contain various concentrations of cannabinoids
Medicinal cannabis products generally contain varying concentrations of cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
These compounds behave differently: THC is psychoactive and can affect mood and perception, while CBD is non-psychoactive.
It’s only accessible through a thorough clinical assessment
The right formulation, if any, is determined entirely by clinical assessment.
How is it different from recreational cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis is prescribed, clinically assessed, and made to consistent standards. Recreational cannabis is still illegal across Australia.
They’re different due to the process, the oversight, and the products themselves.
Is medicinal cannabis legal in Australia?
Yes. Medicinal cannabis has been legal in Australia since 2016, following amendments to the Narcotic Drugs Act that allow its cultivation and manufacture for medicinal and scientific purposes.
Most medicinal cannabis products are not registered medicines in the usual sense. You can only access them through the TGA's Special Access Scheme or the Authorised Prescriber Scheme, which are specific regulatory pathways,
You can't apply for this yourself. It has to start with a registered practitioner.
How is medicinal cannabis taken?
Where prescribed, medicinal cannabis is available in several forms, including oils, capsules, and other pharmaceutical-grade preparations.
Your practitioner will help you figure out which format makes sense for your situation, based on what you're managing and what fits your life.
How to access medicinal cannabis in Australia
No matter where you live in Australia, the process starts with a consultation with an AHPRA-registered practitioner. Some state-specific rules apply, but the main pathway is consistent nationally.
Medicinal cannabis isn't on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so you'll generally be paying out of pocket for both the consultation and any prescribed product.
Potential benefits and risk
As with any prescribed treatment, medicinal cannabis carries both potential benefits and potential risks, and outcomes vary from person to person.
What conditions can it be prescribed for?
Our clinicians may support patients experiencing:
Pain and physical discomfort — for those who have tried approaches like massage, physio, or chiropractic care.
Sleep and rest — for those who have tried approaches like sleep apps, acupuncture, or white noise.
Mental and emotional wellbeing — for those who have tried approaches like meditation, psychology, or breathwork.
Individual results will always differ based on the condition, the product, and the person.
Potential risks and side effects?
Potential risks and side effects can include:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Changes in appetite
Effects on cognition or reaction time, particularly with THC-containing products.
Driving
Driving is a genuine consideration here, and your practitioner will likely walk you through an informed consent process around it. It's also worth checking your workplace's drug policy if testing is part of your job.
Suitability
Suitability, expected outcomes, and risk should always be discussed directly with your prescribing practitioner.
Book a Telehealth Consultation with Altuva
At Altuva, we offer private telehealth consultations to help people across Australia learn about alternative medicine:
Here's how it works
Online intake
Complete our free screening form in under five minutes. Share your medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatments.
Free screening
Our clinical team reviews your submission at no cost and confirms whether our services are clinically appropriate.
$49 consult
Meet with one of our AHPRA-registered practitioners via secure video. You'll discuss your symptoms and options. If appropriate, an electronic prescription may be issued.
Ongoing support
We're here beyond the first appointment, whether that’s follow-up care, script renewals, and any questions along the way.
Fill in our intake form and find out if you're eligible. We do the rest.
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Suitability for medicinal cannabis treatment is determined by a qualified medical practitioner on an individual basis.
References
Lintzeris, N., et al. Differences in prescribed medicinal cannabis use by cannabinoid product composition: Findings from the Cannabis as Medicine Survey 2020 (CAMS-20) Australia-wide study. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10866492/
Arnold, J.C., et al. Driving-related behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions among Australian medical cannabis users: Results from the CAMS-20 survey. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10481606/
Medical cannabis and driving in Australia: Results from the Cannabis as Medicine Survey 2022–2023 (CAMS-22). ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847825004218
Therapeutic Goods Administration. Guidance for the use of medicinal cannabis in Australia: Overview. https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/medicinal-cannabis-hub/medicinal-cannabis-guidance-documents/guidance-use-medicinal-cannabis-australia-overview
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