Medicinal Marijuana VIC: Clinics, Treatment & Laws
Cannabis treatment has been around in Western Australia since 2017. Talk to your doctor today and they will be happy to guide you through the process.
All doctors have the ability to prescribe medicinal cannabis in Victoria
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.
In Victoria any medical practitioner can prescribe medicinal cannabis if they believe it is clinically appropriate and have a schedule 8 treatment permit from the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services before prescribing a Schedule 8 medicinal cannabis product in Victoria. There are two exceptions that require special approval, children under 16 and patients with a history of drug abuse.
All Cannabis prescriptions in VIC are permits to prescribe an unapproved medicinal product. There are a number of ways to gain access to a unapproved substances in Australia (Read More).
If your doctor is prepared to place an application into the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ‘Special Access Scheme’ you may be approved based on the severity and type of medical condition. Therefore the government must approve your application in order to be granted cannabis treatment after the doctor’s request (Read More).
Steps to Accessing medicinal cannabis treatment in Victoria
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Talk to your treating general practitioner (GP) about whether medicinal cannabis may be suitable as a treatment.
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The patient will be required to give informed consent and sign they 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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If your GP believes that cannabis will be an effective addition to your treatment, they can contact the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval to allow the supply of the product.
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The 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
