MOCA Balance Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

MOCA Balance

Dried Cannabis Flower 

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary.

This leaflet provides important information about using MOCA Balance.

You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using MOCA Balance.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using MOCA Balance?

2. What should I know before I use MOCA Balance?

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

4. How do I use MOCA Balance?

5. What should I know while using MOCA Balance?

6. Are there any side effects?

7. Product details

1. Why am I using MOCA Balance?

MOCA Balance contains the active ingredients delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

MOCA Balance is not approved for any specific indication and should only be used to treat specific conditions or symptoms prescribed by your doctor.

MOCA Balance may be used to:

• Relieve chronic non-cancer pain

• Relieve cancer related pain

• Improve sleep (insomnia)

• Decrease inflammation

• Reduce tremors

• Provide relief from nausea

• Reduce spasticity from neurological conditions

• Stimulate appetite in anorexia or wasting conditions associated with chronic illness.

Your doctor may prescribe MOCA Balance for another purpose.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why MOCA Balance has been prescribed for you.

MOCA Balance is an alternative therapeutic option when medicines and lifestyle treatments have not been beneficial. The therapeutic benefit of MOCA Balance may vary between individuals.

This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

2. What should I know before I use MOCA Balance?

Warnings

Do not use MOCA Balance if:

• you are allergic to cannabis, cannabis-based medications, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. THC can pass into your breastmilk if you are breastfeeding. It may affect your baby.
  
  

Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.

Check with your doctor if you:
Have any other medical conditions such as:

• allergies to any other medicines.

• any problem with your liver.

• any problems with your kidney.

• any problems with your heart.

• gastrointestinal obstruction.

• any previous psychotic or concurrent disorder.

• any other medical conditions.

• take any medicines for any other condition.

• substance use disorder (abuse, dependence) to alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or illicit stimulants.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with MOCA Balance and affect how it works. 

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins, or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket, or health food shop.

You should also tell any health professional who is prescribing a new medication for you that you are taking MOCA Balance.
If you see a different doctor or go into hospital, let them know all the medicines you are taking.

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect MOCA Balance.

Medicines That May Interfere with MOCA Balance and Affect How It Works.

Medical cannabis, including MOCA Balance, interacts with various medications due to its effects on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system, which is responsible for metabolising many drugs. These interactions can increase side effects, reduce effectiveness, or cause unintended reactions.

Using MOCA Balance at the same time as alcohol and/or other sedative drugs may cause more severe levels of impairment and adverse effects.

Avoid taking MOCA Balance with alcohol and/ or the medications below:

1. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam, Clonazepam)

• Opioids (e.g., Oxycodone, Morphine, Fentanyl)

• Antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine, Promethazine, Hydroxyzine)

• Muscle Relaxants (e.g., Cyclobenzaprine, Baclofen, Tizanidine)

• Sleep Medications (e.g., Zolpidem, Eszopiclone, Temazepam) 

2. Antidepressants & Mood Stabilizers 

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram)

• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) (e.g., Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)

• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline)

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine) 

3. Blood Thinners (Increased Bleeding Risk)

• Warfarin

• Clopidogrel (Plavix)

• Apixaban (Eliquis) & Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

• Blood Pressure & Heart Medications 

• Beta-Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Propranolol)

• Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Verapamil)

• ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril)

5. Other High-Risk Medications

• Anti-Seizure Medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Valproate) 

• Immunosuppressants (e.g., Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine) 

• Diabetes Medications (e.g., Metformin, Insulin) 

• Antipsychotics (e.g., Risperidone, Olanzapine, Quetiapine) 

Patients should always consult a healthcare professional before using MOCA Balance alongside other medications to avoid potential drug interactions and adverse effects.

4. How do I use MOCA Balance? 

How much to take/use

• Follow all directions given to you by your doctor. They may differ to the instructions in this leaflet.

• If you do not understand the instruction on the label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

• A titration period is required to reach optimal dose. The number and timing of doses will vary between individuals. Your doctor will provide you with a treatment schedule based on your needs. Always use MOCA Balance exactly as your doctor has told you.

• Only a doctor can start you on treatment with MOCA Balance. Your doctor will assess you from time to time to see if you should continue taking MOCA Balance.

• Your doctor may increase your dosage until a dose is reached which works best for you.

• Note that higher doses of MOCA Balance are associated with an increased risk of experiencing side effects.

• Follow the instructions provided and use MOCA Balance until your doctor tells you to stop.=
  
  

When to take / use MOCA Balance

• MOCA Balance should be used as directed by your doctor.

• MOCA Balance can be taken before or after food. 

How to use MOCA Balance

• This product should be administered using a medical device vaporiser, as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

• Your dose of MOCA Balance is individualised, and the rate and speed of dose adjustment is dependent on each individual response. It is recommended to start low and titrate the dose slowly. The optimal dose is the lowest dose that achieves the highest benefit.

• Follow the instructions provided and use MOCA Balance until your doctor tells you to stop.

If you have any further questions on the use of MOCA Balance, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you forget to use MOCA Balance

MOCA Balance should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you have trouble remembering when to use your medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you use too much MOCA Balance

If you think that you have used too much MOCA Balance, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

• phone the Poisons Information Centre  (by calling 13 11 26), or contact your doctor, or

• go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.   

5. What should I know while using  MOCA Balance?

Things you should do.

• Take MOCA Balance as your doctor has prescribed.

• If you are about to start any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking MOCA Balance.

• Take special care if you drink alcohol while using MOCA Balance. Using MOCA Balance and alcohol together may increase their effects (such as loss of Balance or ability to respond quickly).

Tell your doctor if you:

• have or have had any allergies to cannabis or cannabis-based medicines.

• have or have had any problem with your liver, kidneys, heart, gut, substance use disorder (abuse, dependence), or any other medical condition.

• have or have had any psychotic or concurrent disorder.

• are under 18 years of age.

• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking MOCA Balance.

• are taking any other medicines including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket, or health food shop. 

• are about to start any new medicine.

Call your doctor straight away if you:

• Are pregnant or become pregnant while taking MOCA Balance.

• Need to have medical tests while you are taking MOCA Balance. It may affect the results of some tests.

• Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using MOCA Balance.

Things you should not do.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without telling your doctor. If you stop taking it suddenly or change the dose, your condition may worsen, or you may have unwanted side effects.

• Do not use MOCA Balance to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

• Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

• Do not take MOCA Balance if you have an allergy to cannabis or cannabis-based medications.

• Do not take MOCA Balance after the use-by (expiry) date printed on the packaging or if the packaging shows signs of tampering.

• Do not take MOCA Balance if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  
  

Travelling overseas with MOCA Balance.

Travelling with medical cannabis, including MOCA Balance, is legal within Australia if you follow the necessary regulations. However, because cannabis is still a controlled substance, there are strict requirements you must meet to avoid legal issues. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Carry Your Prescription & Documentation

• Always travel with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor confirming that you are legally prescribed MOCA Balance.

• If questioned by authorities, you must be able to prove that your cannabis is for medical use and obtained legally.

2. Keep Your Medication in the Original Packaging

• MOCA Balance should remain in its dispensed packaging with the pharmacy label clearly visible.

• Avoid transferring your medication to unmarked containers or other storage methods that could raise suspicion.

3. Be Aware of State & Territory Laws

• While medical cannabis is legal across Australia, laws differ between states. Some states have stricter enforcement policies, so check the specific regulations of your destination.

• South Australia and Northern Territory have stricter policing, so carrying proper documentation is even more important.

4. Air Travel – Domestic Flights

• You can legally carry MOCA Balance on domestic flights within Australia.

• Declare your medication if asked by airport security. If you’re carrying liquids (oils or tinctures), comply with the airline’s liquid restrictions.

• Store your medical cannabis in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss or damage in checked baggage.

5. Public Transport & Driving Restrictions

• You cannot drive while using MOCA Balance because it contains THC, which is a prohibited substance under drug-driving laws in all states. Even if prescribed, you can be charged if tested positive for THC while driving.

• Public transport (buses, trains, ferries) generally allows you to carry prescription medications, but discretion is advised to avoid unnecessary attention.

6. Avoid Travelling Internationally with MOCA Balance

MOCA Balance is a Controlled Drug in Australia, and its legal status will vary between countries.

• Check that it is legal for you to take MOCA Balance into any countries you are travelling to and countries you are travelling through. 

• Australian authorities cannot protect you if you are caught carrying cannabis in another country, where laws may be much stricter.

8. Know Who to Contact in Case of Issues

• If you run into legal trouble or questions from authorities, have contact information for:
  Your prescribing doctor
  Your dispensing pharmacy
  The TGA guidelines on medical cannabis (for reference)

Driving or using machines.

Do not drive or use machinery while taking MOCA Balance.

MOCA Balance may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. 

Alcohol may increase the effects of MOCA Balance, or the latter may increase the effects of alcohol.

Take special care if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medication.

Looking after your medicine.

• Keep your MOCA Balance in its packaging until it is time to take it.

• If you leave MOCA Balance out of its packaging, it may not keep will.

• Follow the instructions provided on the label on how to take care of your medicine properly.

• Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

• in the bathroom or near a sink, or

• in the car or on windowsills.

• A cupboard at least one and a half meters above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine.

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects - Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

• daytime drowsiness

• dizziness

• fatigue

• dry mouth

• dry eyes

• headache

• increased appetite

• difficulty concentrating

• nausea

• memory impairment

• blurred vision

• constipation or diarrhoea

• euphoria

Serious side effects - Call your doctor straight away or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Allergy-related:

• swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing

• Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing

• Skin reaction which may include rash, itching, redness, blistering or peeling of the skin

Cardiovascular:

• rapid heartbeat

• chest pain

• low blood pressure/feeling faint

Brain/Nervous system:

• convulsions

• numbness

• burning sensation

• vomiting

• loss of coordination 

• disorientation

• confusion, depression

• agitation

• hallucinations

• psychosis

• thoughts of suicide

General:

• upper respiratory infection

• strong abdominal pain

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side-effects you experience, you can report side effects via wellness@mocahealth.com.au. 

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What MOCA Balance contains

Active ingredient (Main Ingredient)

delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD)

Contains 23% w/w THC and not more than 1% w/w CBD

Other ingredients

(Inactive Ingredients)

None

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What MOCA Balance looks like

MOCA Balance is a whole cannabis dried flower presented in a plastic jar. 

Each jar contains Cannabis sativa flower, dry weight 10 g minimum, containing THC 2.5 g and not more than CBD 0.1 g.

Available in pack sizes of 10 g (1 jar) and 30 g (3 x 10 g jars in a carton).

MOCA Balance is supplied in Australia by the product Sponsor:

Medicinal Organic Cannabis Australia (MOCA) Pty Ltd

Unit 903, 50 Clarence Street

Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Email: wellness@mocahealth.com.au

This leaflet was prepared in February 2025.

This leaflet provides important information about using MOCA Balance. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using MOCA Balance.