Information About Treatment With Medicinal Cannabis
Please read this information carefully. It explains important benefits, risks and legal responsibilities related to treatment with medicinal cannabis. Please ask your clinician if anything is unclear before you agree to continue.
1. What is medicinal cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis refers to cannabis-based products prescribed by a doctor to help manage certain health conditions (for example, chronic pain, sleep problems, anxiety, nausea, or other symptoms). In Australia, most medicinal cannabis products are "unapproved" medicines under the Therapeutic Goods Act. They are accessed via special pathways (for example, the Special Access Scheme or Authorised Prescriber) and are considered an emerging or experimental treatment.
2. Potential benefits and limitations
Some patients report reduced pain, improvements in sleep, reduced anxiety or stress, or reduced nausea/improved appetite. However, benefits are not guaranteed, evidence is still developing, and medicinal cannabis does not cure underlying conditions.
3. Potential risks and side effects
Possible effects include: tiredness/sedation, dizziness, dry mouth/nausea/vomiting, changes in memory/concentration, anxiety/panic/paranoia, palpitations, worsening of mental health conditions (especially with personal/family history of psychosis), and with long-term use, tolerance and dependence may occur.
When to seek urgent help: Call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department if you experience severe chest pain, severe confusion, persistent uncontrollable vomiting, severe hallucinations/paranoia, thoughts of harming yourself, or very fast/irregular heartbeat.
4. Cannabis around children and young people
Cannabis can be harmful to children and adolescents. Products must be stored securely, out of reach of children. Do not use medicinal cannabis in a way that exposes children to smoke or vapour.
5. Types of medicinal cannabis and methods of use
Your doctor may prescribe oils/liquids, capsules, or dried flower for vaporisation. Smoking cannabis is not recommended. Dried flower should only be used in a medical vaporiser as directed.
6. "Start low, go slow" — dosing principles
Your doctor will start at a low dose and adjust gradually. Do not increase your dose or add products without medical advice. If you feel unwell, do not take further doses and contact your GP or the clinic.
7. Interactions with other medicines, alcohol and drugs
Medicinal cannabis can interact with prescription medicines (opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, blood thinners, immunosuppressants), OTC medicines, herbal supplements, alcohol, and recreational drugs. These interactions can increase sedation or cause serious effects.
8. Driving and legal considerations
THC can impair your ability to drive safely. In most Australian states, it is an offence to drive with detectable THC, even if prescribed. A prescription is not a legal defence. You must not drive or operate machinery if impaired.
9. Storage, security and legal responsibilities
Keep medicine in original packaging with pharmacy label. Store in a locked or secure place. Never share, sell, lend or give your medicine to anyone else.
10. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
Medicinal cannabis is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Reliable contraception is advised. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant.
11. Travel and borders
Laws differ between states. Keep products in original packaging with prescription. Taking medicinal cannabis outside Australia may be illegal even with a prescription.
12. Coordination of care
Inform all treating doctors. See your GP for mild new symptoms. Attend emergency department for red flag symptoms.
13. Smoking vs other methods
Smoking is discouraged due to lung and cardiovascular risks. Oils, capsules, or dried flower via medical vaporiser are safer alternatives.
14. Dosing approach and titration
Start low, increase slowly under supervision. Do not change dose without medical advice.
15. Your responsibilities
Follow dosing instructions, inform all healthcare providers, attend follow-up appointments, avoid exposing children to smoke/vapour, seek urgent help for severe symptoms.
16. Consent to treatment
By proceeding, you confirm that the potential benefits, risks, limitations, driving/legal considerations, dosing approach, and responsibilities have been explained and that you agree to proceed.
