Cannabinoid medicine refers to the use of the cannabis plant and its component cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) as a medical treatment for certain conditions and their associated symptoms.

The flowering head of the cannabis plant contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids. It should be noted that referring to cannabis as though it were one type of medicine is misleading as there are various forms that medicinal cannabis can take as well as a range of strengths and varieties.

Cannabinoid medicine that is prescribed in Australia is highly regulated and adheres to pharmaceutical standards in regards to quality, safety and production unlike illegal cannabis

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) grants medical practitioners access to unapproved medicines, such as medicinal cannabis, via the Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber pathways.  

For more information on what medical cannabis is currently being prescribed for and to assess eligibility, please speak to your doctor.

In order to consider whether cannabinoid medicine is an appropriate treatment for you, consult with your doctor. Legal medicinal cannabis (or “cannabinoid medicine”) can only be accessed via prescription from your treating doctor or specialist, where they believe it may be beneficial for your condition.

While any doctor can prescribe medicinal cannabis products, your doctor may need to apply for any relevant Commonwealth and/or State approvals before they can issue a prescription.

Amendments to the Narcotics Drugs Act 1967 to allow the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes under a national licensing scheme came into operation on 30 October 2016. 

The Commonwealth Government is responsible for issuing licences and permits under this scheme. However, these amendments do not legalise the growing or use of cannabis for non-medical purposes nor do they legalise the cultivation of cannabis or its use outside of regulated medicinal purposes. 

They also do not make cannabis products available over the counter without a prescription from an authorised specialist medical practitioner.