Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Medicinal Cannabis in Australia
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of Medicinal Organic Cannabis Australia (MOCA) Pty Ltd. Here, we aim to provide clear and accurate information for patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public about medicinal cannabis, in line with the guidelines set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Australian regulations.
In Australia, medicinal cannabis is legally available to patients who meet specific criteria, as regulated by the TGA. Generally, patients who are eligible for medicinal cannabis treatment are those who:
Have a medical condition that has not responded to conventional treatments, and
Are under the care of a medical practitioner who can assess their suitability for medicinal cannabis treatment.
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, and a prescription can only be provided by an authorized healthcare professional. The TGA provides detailed guidelines on who can prescribe medicinal cannabis and under what circumstances.
Medicinal cannabis is tightly regulated in Australia, and there are several important legal restrictions:
Prescription Requirement: Medicinal cannabis can only be legally obtained with a prescription from an authorized prescriber. It is illegal to purchase or use medicinal cannabis without a prescription.
Approved Products Only: Only products that are approved by the TGA or authorized by the Office of Drug Control (ODC) can be prescribed and dispensed. These products are subject to strict quality and safety controls.
Importation and Exportation: The importation and exportation of medicinal cannabis products are regulated. As an importer and supplier, MOCA Health ensures that all products comply with the legal requirements set by the Australian Government and relevant regulatory bodies.
Controlled Substance: Cannabis remains a controlled substance under the Australian Criminal Code, even for medicinal use. It is essential to comply with all legal and medical guidelines when using medicinal cannabis products.
Medicinal cannabis may be prescribed to patients for a range of conditions where conventional treatments have proven ineffective, under the guidelines set by the TGA. Some of the TGA-approved conditions for medicinal cannabis treatment include:
Chronic Pain: Medicinal cannabis may be considered for patients experiencing persistent pain, especially in cases where traditional treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis may be eligible for medicinal cannabis treatment, particularly for symptom management.
Cancer-Related Symptoms: Patients with cancer may benefit from medicinal cannabis to help manage symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and pain associated with cancer treatment.
Mental Health Conditions: Medicinal cannabis may be prescribed for anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in certain cases, when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Palliative Care: In palliative care settings, medicinal cannabis can help alleviate symptoms related to end-of-life conditions, improving quality of life for patients.
It is important to note that medicinal cannabis should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider after thorough evaluation. MOCA Health works closely with healthcare professionals to ensure that medicinal cannabis is used appropriately and safely, in line with Australian regulations and guidelines.
No, medicinal cannabis in Australia is strictly regulated for medical use only. Recreational use of cannabis remains illegal under Australian law. MOCA Health supplies medicinal cannabis products that are intended solely for use in the treatment of qualifying medical conditions, under the supervision of an authorized prescriber.
Medicinal cannabis can only be obtained through a prescription from an authorized prescriber. Once prescribed, medicinal cannabis products are dispensed through licensed pharmacies, ensuring the product’s quality and safety.
For more information or if you have additional questions, feel free to contact MOCA Health’s support team or consult with your healthcare provider. We are here to support you on your journey to better health with safe and regulated medicinal cannabis treatments.
MOCA Health is committed to providing transparent, evidence-based information to ensure that medicinal cannabis is used safely and responsibly in Australia. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.