FAQs Archive - LGP Australia

Cannabis Medicine

When will I know if medical cannabis is working for me?

Medical cannabis effects (especially CBD dominant products) are not always felt immediately. It may take 2-4 weeks at the right dose to really know if the medicine is achieving therapeutic...

How much oil or flower should I take?

The guidance is to start low and go slow – please always follow the titration dosing schedule provided by your doctor. As per your doctor instructions, you can your increase...

When should I start taking my cannabis medication?

Always follow your doctor advice regarding dosing Most doctors will advise the first dose should be in the evening in case drowsiness is a side effect. You can have...

General

What are the types of medical cannabis products?

The two major types of products available are oils, which are ingested, and flowers which are inhaled through vaporising. Oil based products are the preferred and most common method of...

Is using medical cannabis legal in Australia?

Medical cannabis has been legal in Australia since 2016.

What is medical cannabis currently being prescribed for?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) grants medical practitioners access to unapproved medicines, such as medicinal cannabis, via the Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber pathways. To see all the Special...

What is THC and CBD?

Over 144 cannabinoids have been isolated within the cannabis plant but the main cannabinoids that are clinically used today are: Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD and THC have...

What is medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis (also called medical marijuana) refers to the use of the cannabis plant and its component cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) as a medical treatment for...

Is medical cannabis the same thing as medical marijuana?

Yes, these two terms are used interchangeably.

Patients

How long does it take for TGA approval?

Depending on the prescription and approval you receive your approval will be valid for 12-24 months. This indication is given by your doctor when submitting the SAS approval.

Can I be prescribed THC free products?

While there are CBD dominant products and products that are made up almost entirely of CBD there are still undetectable traces of THC in the product. This is due to...

What types of medical cannabis are there?

The range of products under the umbrella term medicinal cannabis include pharmaceutical cannabis preparations, such as oil, tinctures, capsules and other extracts, untreated cannabis (raw and dried cannabis) and and...

What is the difference between medicinal and recreational/ illicit ‘street’ cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis accessed via a prescription is highly regulated and held to a high pharmaceutical standard. The foremost difference between street cannabis and medical cannabis is quality control. As the...

Will cannabis work for me?

All cases are different and what works for one patient and indication may not be the case with you. Consultation with your GP, doctor or medical specialist is essential before...

Is medical cannabis treatment covered?

Private rebates are at the discretion of the individual health fund. It is recommended that you contact your fund or health insurer to discuss your cover and options. HIF is...

How do I get a prescription?

A prescription must be provided by a medical professional, whether a GP, nurse prescriber or a specialist. All medical practitioners and nurse prescribers are eligible to prescribe medicinal cannabis products....

What if my medical practitioner won’t prescribe it?

As medical cannabis is a relatively new healthcare treatment option for Australian doctors, some practitioners may lack experience or not be comfortable prescribing medicinal cannabis. As most medicinal cannabis products...