Patient FAQ

Is using medical cannabis legal in Australia?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal within Australia however each state and territory have different laws surrounding its prescription, usage and accessibility.

Medical cannabis is legal within Australia however each state and territory have different laws surrounding its prescription, usage and accessibility.

  • Victoria: Any patient with any medical condition can access medicinal cannabis where their doctor believes it is clinically appropriate and relevant approvals are in place - Health.Vic.
  • New South Wales: Legal for use by adults with end-of-life illnesses, from July 2016 - Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research and Innovation.
  • Queensland: Legal by prescription from specialists for use by patients with a range of conditions including MS, epilepsy, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, from March 2017 - Queensland Health.
  • Western Australia: Legal by prescription from doctors under certain conditions, from November 2016 - WA Department of Health.
  • South Australia: Legal by prescription from doctors under certain conditions, from November 2016 - SA Health.
  • Tasmania: Controlled Access Scheme began in 2017 to allow patients to access unregistered medicinal cannabis - Tasmanian Department of Health.
  • Northern Territory: The Australian Government Department of Health regulates therapeutic medicines containing cannabinoids through the TGA and access is restricted to patients with certain medical conditions - NT Government or Department of Health.
  • ACT: People who fall under category 6 illnesses within certain criteria as of 2017 - ACT Health.

With limited research available it is important to understand that medical marijuana is currently seen as a second-line treatment and you need to consult with your own doctor first to find out if this treatment is right for you. You can read more regarding eligibility for cannabinoid therapy or the pathway to access before visiting your doctor.

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