FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Treatment with us
Medical cannabis can be an alternative or complementary therapy for many chronic illnesses, for example chronic pain, ADHD, depression, migraines and sleep disorders (more information on Diseases). In order to check whether treatment with medicinal cannabis may be the right therapy option for you, our medical staff will review your treatment history. The treatment decision is always made by the doctor during the initial consultation.
Register with us free of charge. We will then ask you about your symptoms in more detail online. You can also provide us with historic medical records on your complaints and treatment history if you have them. The questionnaire will provide your doctor with most of the information your doctor needs to make a preliminary assessment of your suitabilty for medical cannabis therapy.
Once you have registered and completed a pre-screening questionnaire, we will review your history and if suitable for cannabis therapy – permit you to book an appointment for an initial consultation with one of our doctors. During this consultation, the doctor will decide whether to start treatment. You may then elect to receive a cannabis prescription from us by post, email or sent directly through to your preferred pharmacy.
Once we have screened your suitability for cannabis therapy, you can make an appointment for a personal consultation directly via your user account. Shortly before your appointment, you will also receive any further information relevant to your consultation.
Cannabis patients who have already been treated with medical cannabis by another doctor/provider can now see one of our doctors under a Follow-up Consultation.
Thanks to the lower Follow-up Crescription fees, you will pay less for your cannabis therapy.
During the initial consultation with one of our cooperating doctors, a physical and psychological history will be taken. If medicinal cannabis is a suitable therapeutic alternative and/or supplement for you, it will be prescribed according to your individual diagnosis and needs.
Prices may vary depending on whether it is your first consultation relating to medical cannabis, or whether you have previously used medical cannabis. On our Price page we have listed the most important costs for you. The costs are covered by many private insurances. Please check with your health insurance company beforehand to find out whether they will cover the costs.
In principle, you can submit your prescription to any pharmacy in Australia. However, the availability of your product depends on whether the pharmacy has the cannabis you have been prescribed in stock.
We therefore recommend that you use a mail-order pharmacy specialising in cannabis. They will send the preparation directly to your home.
Ask your doctor and they will can recommend a pharmacy to you.
You can have your clinical appointments with your doctor from home via video consultation.
Then in your Follow-up Consultation (again via online video consultation), your doctor will accompany you during your treatment and adjust your medication if necessary. Of course, you also have the opportunity to ask your doctor questions about your treatment.
Following the treatment/video consultation, you will receive your prescription by email or it can be sent directly to your preferred pharmacy.
After the initial dosing phase, you have the option of requesting a follow-up prescription from your doctor without a video consultation. This will be authorised by your doctor, taking your treatment progress into account.
You can specify a desired medical cannabis product and your doctor will assess review the product before he writes your prescription.
Of course!
Patients can see their doctor via online video consultation.
Legal matters
On 29 February 2016 the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Act 2016 was introduced, permitting the cultivation, production and distribution of medicinal cannabis in Australia. Since then, the prescription, diepsnsing and use of medicinal cannabis has been legal across the country.
Yes, any medical doctor (apart from dentists and vets) can prescribe medicinal cannabis.
In practice, the situation is usually different, as many doctors are not familiar with cannabis therapy. Our partner doctors are knowledable and specialised in cannabinoid medicine and therapies.
Patients taking cannabidiol(CBD)-only medicines can lawfully drive if they are not impaired.
Laws around the use of medical cannabis while under the inflence of products including delta-9 THC are different state-by-state and the road traffic laws in your state should be consulted before you consider driving after consuming THC.
Cannabis laws in foreign countries can vary greatly.
As cannabis is illegal in many countries, and as penalties for possessing cannabis can be severe, it is strongly recommended to consult the laws of the countries you plan to travel to before carrying medical cannabis overseas.
Medicare in Australia generally does not cover the cost of medical cannabis therapy.
While medical cannabis has been legally available in Australia since 2016, its coverage under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is limited.
The PBS is the system through which the Australian Government provides subsidized prescription drugs to residents, and it operates alongside Medicare, the country’s public health service.
The coverage of medical cannabis by private health insurance companies in Australia varies and is generally limited.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, individuals should consult directly with their health insurance provider. Insurers can provide details on whether medical cannabis is covered under their policy, under what conditions, and what the claims process involves.
Evolving Landscape: The landscape of medical cannabis coverage in Australia is evolving. As medical cannabis becomes more integrated into mainstream healthcare and as evidence accumulates supporting its efficacy for certain conditions, both medicare and private health insurance providers may change their standard policies to offer broader coverage.
Travelling domestically within Australia with medical cannabis involves navigating specific regulations that vary by state and territory, reflecting the complex legal framework governing cannabis use in the country. As of April 2023, here’s a general overview of the legal considerations:
Prescription Requirement: To legally possess and use medical cannabis in Australia, individuals must have a prescription from an authorized medical practitioner. This prescription should be kept on hand while travelling to prove the legality of the cannabis for medical purposes.
Carrying Limits: There may be limits on the amount of medical cannabis you can carry. It’s essential to carry only the quantity prescribed by your healthcare provider for the duration of your trip.
Storage and Packaging: Medical cannabis should be kept in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. This packaging should include the patient’s name, the prescribing doctor’s details, and the prescription details.
Interstate Variations: While medical cannabis is legal at the federal level, each Australian state and territory has its own laws and regulations regarding its use, possession, and transportation. Before travelling, check the specific regulations of both the departure and destination jurisdictions.
Air Travel: When flying, it’s crucial to inform the airline ahead of time and check their policy on travelling with medical cannabis. Airport security and airline policies may require documentation and specific procedures for carrying prescription medication, including medical cannabis.
Road Travel: For road travel, ensure that the medical cannabis is stored securely and out of reach, especially if there are restrictions on using cannabis while driving, which could affect your ability to operate a vehicle legally.
Given the evolving nature of cannabis laws and the variations between jurisdictions within Australia, it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional or contact the health department of the state or territory you’ll be visiting for the most current and detailed advice. Additionally, reviewing the guidelines provided by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Department of Health may offer further clarity on travelling with medical cannabis within Australia.
General questions
Treatment with medicinal cannabis is not limited to certain illnesses.
Cannabinoids are used for both physical and mental illnesses as well as an alternative or supplement to other medications.
Doctors must judge on a case-by-case basis whether cannabis therapy is suitable for you.
Our doctors are experts in the use of medical cannabis and will select your cannabis medicine preparations after a comprehensive assessment that includes key targeted symptoms, current medications, the pattern of your symptoms and lifestyle factors.
They will also regularly monitor and adjust the medication to ensure the best effect with the fewest side effects.
If you would like any particular medical cannabis drug, then please let your doctor know and he will prescribe it if it’s appropriate for you.
No, we do not sell medicinal cannabis. You will receive a prescription from us, which you can then have dispensed at a pharmacy of your choice.
Not all pharmacies will stock medical cannabis, so if you need a pharmacy recommedation – please ask your doctor.
The cost of the medication varies according to quantity and type. Your doctor will discuss with you how much of which medical cannabis product you should take.
However, we endeavour to send the prescriptions to you as quickly as possible!
Usually the same day.
Time taken for delivery of your medical cannabis products will be up to the dispensing pharamcy. Most products are dispatched in a day or two. In exceptional cases, or if products are out of stock – it can take longer.
Effects of medicinal cannabis
Medicinal cannabis can have various effects on your body: Calming pain, brightening the mood, promoting sleep, increasing appetite and other positive effects. Your doctors will help you select the cannabis preparations that are best for you individually and have the best effect on your symptoms.
Medicinal cannabis can be used for many different complaints and illnesses. You can find out more about this on our Diseases page.
The feeling of being “high/stoned” mainly arises from excessive recreational cannabis use. In medical therapy, cannabis preparations are dosed slowly and in a controlled manner to minimise these types of side effects.
The risk of addiction is considered low with medicinal cannabis.
Your doctor is always in close contact with you to minimise the risk of side-effects.
Medical cannabis is commonly a lower risk option to many other alternatives treatments.