Doctors
Prescribing Medicinal Cannabis
Doctors are required to first evaluate if a patient is eligible for medicinal cannabis in order to prescribe it. Once eligibility is established, the prescribing doctor can apply for an approval.
There are many studies that outline the saftey profile, tolerability, and potential interactions with other medication. It is important for prescribing doctors to make a well informed decision before prescribing medicinal cannabis to a patient.
Patient Suitability
Doctors are required to be aware of the potential drug interactions that could occur with medicinal cannabis and other forms of medication. Doctors also need to take into account a patients tolerance to medicinal cannabis based on the patients mental health history.
Cannabinoids found in medicinal cannabis can interact with medications which are broken down in the liver by the enzyme group, Cytochrome P450. Doctors need to monitor patients who starting medicinal cannabis treatment for potential adverse effects.
Cannabinoids found in medicinal cannabis can interact with medications which are broken down in the liver by the enzyme group, Cytochrome P450. Doctors need to monitor patients who starting medicinal cannabis treatment for potential adverse effects.
Accessing Medicinal Cannabis
The easiest way to apply for an approval is using the TGA’s online portal. All you need to do is register, log-on, and submit either a Special Access Scheme application or an Authorised Prescriber application. Please click the review the links below for more information:
Patient Access- Special Access Scheme Guidance - Special Access Scheme Application
Doctor Access
- Authorised Prescriber Scheme Guidance
- Authorised Prescriber Scheme Application
Driving & Medicinal Cannabis
According to government regulations, it is not recommended for patients after consuming medicinal cannabis to drive a vehicle, or operate machinery due to the potential drowsiness effect it may have on a patient. This is a vital point of consideration for patients.
It is important to check with the laws and legislation of your state regarding the presence of THC in patients whilst driving. Tasmania is currently the only state where a medical exemption may apply for the presence of controlled substances such as THC.
Patient Access Once Approved
Any pharmacy in Australia can dispense a schedule 4, or a schedule 8 medicinal cannabis product. All that is required of a doctor is to forward the approval and script information to your patients pharmacy for dispensing.
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