How to Access Medical Cannabis in Australia: A Complete Patient Guide (2025–2026)

Last updated: June 2025

Medical cannabis is legal in Australia for eligible patients, but navigating the approval system can feel confusing at first. This guide explains the three main legal pathways, what the process looks like in practice, how much it typically costs, and how to find a prescriber — so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.

This article is educational only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in Australia?

Yes. Since 2016, medical cannabis has been legal in Australia when prescribed through approved regulatory pathways overseen by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It is distinct from recreational cannabis, which remains illegal across all Australian states and territories. Patients must hold a valid prescription and purchase product from a licensed supplier.

As of early 2025, the TGA has approved access for tens of thousands of Australian patients, and the number of approved prescriptions has grown substantially each year since the system was introduced.

The Three Legal Access Pathways

There are three ways a patient can legally access medical cannabis in Australia. Most patients use the Special Access Scheme, but your prescriber will determine which pathway is most suitable.

1. Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS B)

The Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS B) is by far the most common pathway used by patients in Australia. It allows registered medical practitioners — including GPs, specialists, and in some cases nurse practitioners — to apply to the TGA for approval to prescribe a specific unapproved medicine to a specific patient.

Key points about SAS B:

• Applications are submitted online by the prescribing doctor, not the patient.
• Since 2021, the TGA streamlined the SAS B process significantly. Many applications receive near-instant approval through an automated low-risk pathway.
• Approval is product-specific and patient-specific — a new application is required if the product changes.
• The prescriber must also hold any required state or territory permits (see below).
• Most medical cannabis prescriptions in Australia are issued under SAS B.

Who can apply? Any registered medical practitioner can submit an SAS B application. The patient does not apply directly — your doctor lodges the application on your behalf through the TGA's Business Services portal.

2. Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme

The Authorised Prescriber scheme allows a medical practitioner to become pre-approved to prescribe a specific medical cannabis product to a class of patients — without needing individual TGA approval for each patient. This reduces administrative burden for prescribers who treat large numbers of patients with similar conditions.

• The prescriber must apply to the TGA and receive endorsement from a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) or a relevant specialist college.
• Once approved, they can prescribe to eligible patients in their defined patient class without per-patient TGA approval.
• Authorised Prescribers are common in dedicated medical cannabis clinics.
• Patients may access care more quickly through an AP because there is no per-application waiting period.

3. Clinical Trials

A small number of patients access medical cannabis through registered clinical trials. These trials investigate the safety and efficacy of cannabis-based medicines for specific conditions. Participation is subject to strict eligibility criteria, and patients may not know whether they are receiving the active treatment or a placebo.

Clinical trials are listed on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). This pathway is less common for general patient access but may be appropriate for some individuals, particularly those with conditions where other treatments have not been effective.

Step-by-Step: What the Process Looks Like for Patients

1. Speak to your GP or a medical cannabis clinic. Start by discussing your symptoms and medical history with a doctor. Not every GP prescribes medical cannabis; if yours does not, a referral or an appointment with a specialist clinic may be needed.
2. Provide your medical history. Your prescriber will review your diagnosis, previous treatments, and current medications to assess whether medical cannabis may be appropriate for you. There are no guarantees of approval or clinical benefit.
3. Your doctor submits the TGA application. Under SAS B, your prescriber lodges the application online. Many are approved quickly, though more complex cases may take longer.
4. State or territory permit (if required). Depending on your state or territory, your prescriber may also need to obtain a separate state-level permit before prescribing (see below).
5. Prescription and dispensing. Once approved, your doctor issues a prescription. Medical cannabis is dispensed through licensed pharmacies — not all pharmacies stock these products, so your prescriber or the pharmacy can help locate an appropriate supplier.
6. Ongoing review. Your prescriber should monitor your response to treatment over time. Product approvals under SAS B are typically valid for up to 12 months and must be renewed.

State and Territory Variations

While the TGA operates federally, individual states and territories may impose additional requirements on prescribers. These requirements have been progressively reduced or simplified over recent years, but it is important to be aware of them.

State / Territory	Additional Prescriber Permit Required?	Notes
New South Wales	No (as of 2021)	State permit requirement removed; TGA approval sufficient.
Victoria	No (as of 2021)	Automatic permit granted with TGA approval in most cases.
Queensland	No (as of 2020)	Permit requirement removed for Schedule 8 cannabis medicines.
Western Australia	Yes (in most cases)	Prescribers generally require a Schedule 8 permit from the WA Department of Health.
South Australia	Yes	Controlled Substances Act permit may be required; check with SA Health.
Tasmania	Yes	Permit required under the Poisons Act 1971; contact the Tasmanian Department of Health.
ACT	No	Aligned with federal TGA process.
Northern Territory	Yes	Territory approval may be required; verify with NT Health.

Requirements can change. Always verify current obligations with your state or territory health authority and confirm with your prescriber before proceeding.

How to Find a Prescriber

Not all GPs prescribe medical cannabis. Options for finding a prescriber include:

• Your existing GP. Ask your GP whether they are registered to prescribe medical cannabis or whether they are willing to explore it. Some GPs will co-prescribe alongside a specialist.
• Dedicated medical cannabis clinics. Telehealth clinics specialising in medical cannabis have become widespread in Australia. Many operate entirely online with appointments available within days. These clinics employ Authorised Prescribers or GPs experienced in the SAS B pathway.
• Specialists. For conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, or palliative care, your specialist may already have experience with medical cannabis prescribing.

When choosing a clinic or prescriber, look for practitioners registered with AHPRA, transparency about fees, and a willingness to review your full medical history before prescribing.

Costs: What Patients Typically Pay

Medical cannabis is not currently listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), meaning patients pay out of pocket for both consultation and product costs. Costs vary considerably depending on the product and dosage.

• Initial consultation: Approximately $50–$200 depending on the provider (telehealth consultations are often at the lower end).
• Product costs: Typically range from $80 to $400+ per month depending on the product type (oil, flower, capsule), potency, and dosage. Oils tend to be lower cost; dried flower for vaporisation varies by strain and supplier.
• Repeat consultations and prescription renewals: Usually lower cost than initial consultations, often $30–$100.
• Pharmacy dispensing fees: Standard dispensing fees apply, and some pharmacies charge additional fees for specialist or cold-chain products.

Some private health insurers provide partial rebates for medical cannabis consultations, though not typically for the products themselves. Check your policy details. Concession card holders may be able to access reduced consultation fees through bulk-billing telehealth providers, though this is not universal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while taking medical cannabis?

This is an important and nuanced issue. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can be detected by roadside drug tests in Australia, and a positive test can result in penalties regardless of whether you hold a valid prescription. Laws vary by state. Patients should discuss driving implications with their prescriber before commencing treatment. CBD-only products generally do not contain THC, but patients should still clarify this with their prescriber and pharmacist.

Can I travel internationally with medical cannabis?

Generally no. Medical cannabis approved in Australia is not recognised in most other countries and may be classified as an illegal substance at your destination. Do not travel internationally with medical cannabis without thorough legal advice specific to your destination country. The Australian Border Force does not grant exemptions for overseas travel.

Can any condition be treated with medical cannabis?

The TGA does not restrict SAS B applications to specific conditions, and prescribers can apply for a wide range of diagnoses. Commonly approved conditions in Australia include chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and palliative care indications. However, approval of an application by the TGA does not indicate guaranteed clinical benefit — your prescriber should discuss realistic expectations with you.

Is there a minimum age for medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis can be prescribed to patients of any age, including children, but paediatric prescribing involves additional scrutiny and typically requires specialist involvement. Products containing THC are generally not considered appropriate for paediatric patients except in specific circumstances such as refractory epilepsy.

What is the difference between CBD and THC products?

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most studied cannabinoids in medical cannabis. CBD is non-intoxicating; THC produces psychoactive effects. Most medical cannabis products prescribed in Australia contain either CBD alone or a combination of CBD and THC. Your prescriber will recommend a product type and ratio based on your condition and treatment goals.

Sources

• Therapeutic Goods Administration — Medicinal Cannabis Hub
• TGA — Special Access Scheme Category B
• TGA — Authorised Prescriber Scheme
• Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR)
• Australian Government Department of Health — Medicinal Cannabis
• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• SA Health — Medicinal Cannabis