Medicinal Marijuana NSW: Clinics, Treatment & Laws
The cannabis treatment in NSW 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.
Cannabis treatment has been around in New South Wales for a while now. Talk to your doctor today if you believe this treatment path is right for you.
General practitioners have the ability to prescribe medicinal cannabis
In New South Wales any medical practitioner can prescribe medicinal cannabis if they believe it is clinically appropriate. As cannabis is a relatively new treatment option, NSW has put in place both expert clinical guidance and support for NSW doctors considering prescribing a cannabis medicine for their patient (Read More).
There are two exceptions that require further special approval, children under the age of 16 and patients with a history of drug abuse.
After your doctor agrees to try cannabis as an additional treatment, an application 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 condition it will be treating. Therefore government approval is required to be granted cannabis treatment (2 - 4 weeks estimated time).
How to Accessing medicinal cannabis treatment?
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Talk to your treating doctor about whether medicinal cannabis may be suitable as a treatment for you.
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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.
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Your GP will contact the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval to allow the supply of the product.
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Your GP will also need to arrange for a pharmacy to dispense the medication to you within your local area.
Things to consider when taking medicinal cannabis
You cannot drive
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.
School-aged children
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.
Disclaimer: Cannabis Place are not doctors and we recommend consulting health professionals for accurate information. This site may contain information regarding drugs. This medicinal cannabis content is designed for an 18+ audience. Click here for our full disclaimer
