Medical Cannabis in Tasmania

Medical cannabis is a legal substance in Tasmania (TAS). To ensure pharmaceutical-grade products and consumer safety, the Australian government heavily regulates the production and prescribing of cannabis medicines, as well as its consumption. Legislation may differ from state to state, so patients, prescribers, and pharmacists should always stay updated on the latest regulations surrounding medicinal cannabis.

Is medical cannabis legal in Tasmania?

Medical Cannabis has been legal in Tasmania (TAS) since its federal legalisation in 2016. This allowed the use of medicinal cannabis for therapeutic and research purposes. Tasmanian patients can access medical cannabis with a prescription from their doctor. Even with these allowances, the manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of medical cannabis is heavily restricted and monitored by government bodies.

Medical cannabis prescriptions in TAS

You can access medical cannabis in Tasmania with a valid prescription from your healthcare professional. The doctor must be a registered practitioner, assess your medical condition and history, and determine whether cannabis is an appropriate treatment option. To prescribe cannabis, your doctor needs approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This ensures product quality and safety for consumers. In some cases, prescribers may also need approval from state health authorities.

Medical cannabis supply in Tasmania

In Tasmania, the supply and manufacture of medical cannabis are governed by stringent regulations and legislation. The state follows the broader Australian framework for medical cannabis, which allows for the cultivation, production, and supply of medicinal cannabis products. Licensed manufacturers and suppliers must adhere to federal regulations, including the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967, which authorises the legal production and distribution of medical cannabis. Tasmania, known for its fertile agricultural land, has become a significant hub for cultivating high-quality medicinal cannabis. Patients with valid prescriptions can access a range of medicinal cannabis products through authorised healthcare providers and pharmacies, all under the strict oversight of both federal and state regulatory bodies.

Medical cannabis eligibility in Tasmania

Eligibility for medicinal cannabis in Tasmania is determined by the patient’s medical condition and recommendation of a registered practitioner. If you have tried other treatments for your condition without luck, a doctor may prescribe medical cannabis as an alternative treatment. After evaluating your medical history  and current health conditions, your doctor can request approval from the TGA and prescribe a medicinal cannabis product.

Medical cannabis in workplaces TAS

In many TAS workplaces, medical cannabis products containing THC may be considered restricted substances during and after work. Different companies enforce varying drug testing policies, and may allow specific cannabis products if you hold a prescription. It’s important to speak with your employer regarding your workplace’s drug policy before beginning medical cannabis treatments. They may request proof of your prescription, or a note from your doctor confirming your ability to perform work duties while undergoing treatment. Your healthcare provider can also talk you through CBD-only alternatives that may better align with your work regulations.

Travelling with medical cannabis in Tasmania

It’s generally safe to travel within Tasmania with medical cannabis if you hold a valid prescription. However, if you’re crossing state borders, make sure you have documentation to support your prescription. Your cannabis products should be stored in their original container or bottle, with all pharmacy labels intact and your details legible. As an extra step, you could also request a letter from your doctor including the details of your prescription, encompassing dosage and the amount you’ll be carrying. If you’re planning to travel overseas, check your destination’s drug policies carefully. Carrying cannabis, even with a prescription, is still considered an offence in some other countries.

Driving with medical cannabis in TAS

It is prohibited to drive in Tasmania while having medicinal cannabis containing THC in your system unless the product was obtained and administered in accordance with the Poisons Act 1971 (prescribed via a prescription). Tasmanian drivers using legally prescribed medicinal cannabis may not be charged as long as their driving is not impaired and they can properly control their vehicle. Please note that medicinal cannabis can cause impairment and affect fitness to drive and the Tasmanian Department of Health website recommends that patients do not drive whilst being treated with medicinal cannabis. The same site also advises that a person who drives a vehicle while under the influence of a drug that leaves them incapable of properly controlling their vehicle is guilty of an offence, even if the drug is prescribed.

THC has psychoactive effects, posing a risk of intoxication and potential cognitive impairment. This makes it unsuitable for driving or handling heavy machinery. Current police roadside testing procedures don’t actually test for impairment, just the presence of THC, which can sometimes take days, or weeks, to fully leave your system. 

Although it should be legal to drive while using CBD-only products, which lack any THC and therefore psychoactive effect, some CBD products obtained illicitly online may contain THC. For patients who rely on regular driving, it’s vital to engage in discussions with your doctor to explore suitable treatment options, and purchase cannabis medicines via legal pathways to ensure medication labels and contents are accurate.

Medical cannabis cost in Tasmania

The cost of medical cannabis in Tasmania depends on the product and dosage. Medicines could be between $250 to $300 a month, including doctor consultation expenses. Most government schemes like the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or Medicare don’t cover medicinal cannabis. However, certain health insurers are starting to include cannabis treatments as part of their extras cover. They don’t always advertise this kind of coverage, so contact your insurer directly to check what rebate you may be eligible for.

Medical cannabis pharmacies in TAS

Pharmacists in Tasmania are authorised to distribute medical cannabis with the right approvals from the TGA and relevant health authorities. Prior to dispensing cannabis medicines, pharmacists must verify the prescriber’s credentials and ensure the prescription’s validity. With a legitimate prescription, you should be able to access your medication at any pharmacy in Tasmania. When travelling interstate, check with the local cannabis regulations to ensure your prescription can be filled in another state.