A strain of medical cannabis is a type of cannabis plant with specific properties or effects. Cannabis strains can be cultivated to produce therapeutic benefits to help treat patients with a range of medical treatments in conjunction with their regular healthcare plan. However, there is some legality surrounding strains of medical cannabis which affects its manufacture, prescription, and usage. Registered Healthcare Professionals can benefit from staying updated on the latest laws and legislations regarding different cannabis strains to help make informed decisions about patient care. Little Green Pharma (LGP) is a medical cannabis manufacturer that offers education for Australian prescribers, and pharmacists.
What determines the legality of cannabis strains?
The legality of cannabis strains and supply of dried cannabis flower is contingent on a number of regional regulations. In Australia, cannabis was legalised for medical use in 2016. Specific strains and cannabis flowers are permitted for eligible patients who have obtained a prescription. The legal criteria for these products may encompass factors such as THC content, CBD-THC ratios, and the nature of the medical condition being treated. While medicinal cannabis has gained acceptance, the exact legality of individual flower products and their specific strains may vary among states and territories, impacting the cultivation and possession limits. For example, it is typically illegal to drive with any amount of THC in your system in most Australian states, even if you’re using an approved strain with a prescription. However, in Tasmania, it’s legal to drive with limited amounts of prescription THC in your system. Across the board, it is generally deemed appropriate to drive while being treated with CBD-only cannabis medicines.

Are all cannabis strains legal?
Navigating access to cannabis medications in Australia can still be a bit of a puzzle, as medical practitioners learn about this new treatment. Currently in Australia, cannabis is only legal for medicinal use, and the production and distribution of certain strains is not permitted for recreational cannabis use. These policies are subject to change as jurisdictions fine-tune the legalities. In some Australian states, possessing small amounts of cannabis without a prescription may result in serious ramifications, but in other states the consequences are less severe. When travelling with medical cannabis, even with a prescription, ensure you thoroughly research the cannabis laws and regulations for your destination.
How do doctors find which dried cannabis flower strains are legal?
In Australia, doctors need to carefully navigate the regulated landscape to determine the legal status of dried flower cannabis strains for medicinal use. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) plays a central role in this process, overseeing the approval and listing of medicinal cannabis products. To identify legal cannabis strains, doctors can reach out to medical cannabis suppliers about their various medications. When prescribing these strains, they must adhere to TGA guidelines, considering factors such as THC content, CBD ratios, and the specific medical conditions for which the strains are authorised. Alternatively, the TGA maintains a comprehensive list of registered medicinal cannabis products, providing a valuable resource for healthcare professionals seeking clarity on legal strains. Doctors collaborate with patients to evaluate their medical needs, ensuring that prescribed strains align with both individual health requirements and the parameters outlined by Australia regulatory authorities. Medical practitioners will consider a patient’s medical history and current conditions to help determine the best medical cannabis treatment.
How long does it take for a new dried flower cannabis strain to become a legal cannabis medication?
The process of a new dried flower cannabis strain becoming available on the Australian medicinal market is shaped by regulatory protocols. Introducing a novel strain involves extensive testing. Rigorous evaluations assess the strain’s cannabinoid content and quality, ensuring it meets the stringent standards set by the TGA. Collaboration between researchers, cultivators, and pharmaceutical entities is pivotal in this process. Once a strain is tested and passes the TGO 93 test for flower medications,, it can be prescribed by registered healthcare practitioners for specific medical conditions.
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Additional Information on Cannabis Strains
Medical cannabis strains are varieties of the cannabis plant with distinct characteristics, chemical compositions, and potential therapeutic effects, allowing healthcare professionals to tailor treatments to individual patient needs.
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