Cannabis is used to describe any plant from the genus cannabis species; this includes dried flowers and leaves, seeds, extracts, oils, and resins.
The cannabis plant has a group of chemicals called cannabinoids; THC is known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the main cannabinoid responsible for the ‘high’ produced by cannabis.
The most widely used cannabinoid is CBD. CBD is not psychoactive and has no psychoactive effect. This means that CBD does not cause a high or change a person’s state of mind when using it.
The use of medicinal cannabis has been legal in Australia since November 2016. However, individual states also have separate legislation regarding details of approvals and conditions that patients have that may be approved.
In October 2016, the Commonwealth Government amended the Narcotics Drugs Act 1967, making it legal to cultivate cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes under a national licencing scheme. Under this scheme, individuals can access medicinal cannabis products with a prescription from an authorised medical practitioner.
Individuals should not drive or operate machinery while being treated with medicinal cannabis. Individuals should understand the implications of safe and legal driving before undertaking cannabis treatment.
Medicinal cannabis is safe to be used for a wide variety of conditions.
However, the following conditions are NOT compatible with medicinal cannabis or certain forms of cannabis medications;
Medicinal cannabis can have some interactions with some blood thinners such as warfarin. Ensure you discuss your medications in full at your appointment.
The initial appointment is $190.00
Follow-Up appointments are $75.00
The cost of medicinal cannabis ranges from $3 - $10 per day, depending on what condition is being treated, the product required and the dosage of the product.
The Commonwealth Government does not subsidise medicinal cannabis appointments or medications.
Note. The dried flower requires scales and a vaporiser to be purchased at an additional cost.
