What is Medicinal Cannabis?
Also known as marijuana or weed, for medical purposes.
Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) & CBD (cannabidiol), which have therapeutic effects & may help alleviate symptoms of various medical conditions. Medicinal cannabis is typically used to manage symptoms of
- Muscle Spasms
- Inflammation
- Chronic Pain
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Nausea
Is cannabis legal in Australia?
Yes, cannabis is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia
for use in certain medical conditions. Specifically, medicinal cannabis products can be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacist for patients with conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis, among others.
However, access to medicinal cannabis in Australia is tightly regulated and subject to strict requirements, including the need for approval from the TGA and compliance with state and territory laws. In addition, medicinal cannabis products must be supplied by licensed producers and can only be prescribed by doctors who have received specialized training in their use.
It’s worth noting that while medicinal cannabis is legal in Australia, recreational use of cannabis remains illegal, except in the Australian Capital Territory where possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use havebeen decriminalized.
What conditions is medicinal cannabis used for?
Chronic Pain
Medicinal cannabis may be prescribed for the management of chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments.
Cancer Related Symptoms
Medicinal cannabis may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, & loss of appetite associated with cancer treatments.
Epilepsy
Medicinal cannabis may be prescribed for the management of certain types of epilepsy that are difficult to control with other medications
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Medicinal cannabis may be prescribed for the management of symptoms such as spasticity
& pain associated with MS.
Palliative Care
Medicinal cannabis may be prescribed to improve quality of life in patients with advanced or terminal illnesses.