How It Works

How It Works: Accessing Medicinal Cannabis in Australia

At Purchase Cannabis, we help patients navigate the legal and regulated process of obtaining medicinal cannabis in Australia. All prescriptions must be obtained through a registered healthcare professional under strict Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines. Below is a step-by-step guide on how patients can access medicinal cannabis safely and legally.

Step 1: Consult a Healthcare Professional

• Medicinal cannabis is only available via prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter.

• Patients must book an appointment with a qualified doctor who can assess their condition and determine whether medicinal cannabis is a suitable treatment option.

• The doctor will discuss treatment options, potential risks, and expected benefits before proceeding with an application.

Step 2: Doctor Submits a TGA Application

There are two primary pathways for doctors to prescribe medicinal cannabis in Australia:

1. Special Access Scheme - Category B (SAS-B)

• This is the most common pathway for accessing medicinal cannabis.

• The doctor submits an application to the TGA for approval on a case-by-case basis.

• The TGA assesses the request and provides a decision within a few days.

2. Authorised Prescriber (AP) Pathway

• Some doctors have approval to prescribe medicinal cannabis without needing separate TGA approval for each patient.

• This process may result in a faster prescription process for eligible patients.

Once the TGA grants approval, the doctor will write a prescription for a specific medicinal cannabis product.

Step 3: Prescription and Dispensing

• The prescription is sent to a licensed Australian pharmacy that stocks TGA-approved medicinal cannabis products.

• The pharmacist will dispense the prescribed product following strict regulatory requirements.

• Patients may need to show proof of identity when collecting their medication.

Step 4: Treatment and Follow-Up

• Medicinal cannabis treatment is a controlled therapy, requiring regular follow-ups with the prescribing doctor.

• The doctor will monitor progress, adjust dosages if necessary, and ensure compliance with legal guidelines.

• Patients should always follow the prescribed dosage and instructions for safe and effective use.

Regulatory Compliance and Important Notes

• No Direct Sales – Purchase Cannabis does not sell medicinal cannabis directly to patients.

• No Therapeutic Claims – All products must be prescribed by a healthcare professional, and individual responses to treatment vary.

• Strict TGA Regulations – All prescriptions must comply with TGA and Office of Drug Control (ODC) regulations.

• Australian Legal Framework – Medicinal cannabis is only available through authorised prescribers and approved pharmacies.