How can I access medicinal cannabis?

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the supply of medicinal cannabis. Doctors can apply to the TGA to supply medicinal cannabis to certain patients through the Authorised Prescriber Scheme and the Special Access Scheme. Patients may be able to access medicinal cannabis through a specialist doctor, their GP, or if they are taking part in a clinical trial.

You cannot apply to the TGA to get medicinal cannabis yourself; only your doctor can apply. The doctor must meet certain requirements, must obtain permits, and must also comply with relevant state laws. However, the laws are different in each state, and this may affect whether you can get access to medicinal cannabis.

You can check the laws in your state by visiting:

• ACT Health

• NSW Government

• Northern Territory Department of Health

• Queensland Health

• SA Health

• Tasmanian Department of Health

• health.vic

• Healthy WA

The Australian Government recently changed the law to allow organisations to grow cannabis for research and to make pharmaceutical products. Growing cannabis yourself or using it for non-medical purposes is still illegal in most states and territories in Australia. However, in the ACT, the laws governing the growing, possession and use of cannabis have changed.