How to Get a Medicinal Cannabis Prescription in Australia
| Tijuana Dispensary
Getting a medicinal cannabis prescription in Australia is faster
and more accessible than most people expect. This step-by-step
guide walks you through every stage — from your first
consultation to receiving your product.
Can Any Doctor Prescribe Medicinal Cannabis in Australia?
Yes. Any registered Australian medical practitioner can
prescribe medicinal cannabis through one of two pathways:
1. Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B) the doctor
applies to the TGA for approval to prescribe a specific
product to a specific patient. Most applications are
approved within 24–72 hours.
2. Authorised Prescriber (AP) a doctor pre-approved by
the TGA to prescribe for a class of patients without
needing individual approval each time.
Nurse practitioners can also prescribe in most Australian
states and territories.
What Conditions Qualify for a Medicinal Cannabis Prescription?
Australia does not maintain a fixed approved condition list.
Doctors assess each patient individually. Conditions
most commonly prescribed include:
– Chronic non-cancer pain
– Cancer-related pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea
– Epilepsy (particularly treatment-resistant)
– Multiple sclerosis and spasticity
– Anxiety and PTSD
– Insomnia and sleep disorders
– Palliative and end-of-life care
– Appetite disorders in cancer and HIV/AIDS patients
Your doctor must be satisfied that the clinical benefit
outweighs potential risks for your specific situation.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Medicinal Cannabis Prescription?
Step 1 — Book a consultation
Book with your GP or a medicinal cannabis specialist clinic.
Telehealth is widely available — most Australians complete
their initial assessment from home on the same day.
Step 2 — Medical assessment
Your doctor reviews your condition, medical history, previous
treatments tried, and current medications to determine
whether medicinal cannabis is appropriate.
Step 3 — TGA application
If your doctor decides to proceed, they submit an SAS-B
application to the TGA or prescribe directly as an
Authorised Prescriber.
Step 4 — Prescription issued
Once TGA approval is granted, your doctor issues a
prescription specifying the product type, cannabinoid
ratio, dose, and instructions.
Step 5 — Fill your prescription
Present your prescription to a licensed dispensary like
Tijuana Dispensary. Our team will match you with the
right product and explain how to use it correctly.
Step 6 — Ongoing review
Your doctor schedules follow-up appointments every
1–3 months to review your progress and adjust your
treatment plan.
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How Long Does the Process Take?
– Telehealth initial consultation: same day or within 48 hours
– TGA SAS-B approval: 24–72 hours
– Product delivery after prescription: 1–3 business days
Most patients receive their first product within one week
of their initial appointment.
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How Much Does a Medicinal Cannabis Consultation Cost?
Consultation Type | Approximate Cost.
GP (bulk billed) | $0 for eligible patients |
Cannabis specialist clinic | $99–$200 initial |
Telehealth cannabis clinic | $49–$150 initial |
Follow-up appointments | $30–$80 |
Medicare rebates may apply to GP consultations. Specialist
cannabis clinic fees are typically out-of-pocket.
Do I Need to Have Tried Other Treatments First?
There is no strict legal requirement, but most doctors
and the TGA prefer that conventional treatments have been
trialled first or are demonstrably unsuitable. This helps
establish clinical justification for the prescription.
Can I Get a Medicinal Cannabis Prescription via Telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth has transformed access to medicinal
cannabis in Australia. Patients in rural and remote areas
can access specialist consultations, digital prescriptions,
and home delivery entirely online.
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What Should I Bring to My Consultation?
– List of current medications
– Medical records or specialist letters for your condition
– Details of treatments already tried
– Medicare card
– Any questions about products or dosing
Can My GP Refuse to Prescribe?
Yes. If your GP is unwilling or unfamiliar with the
TGA process, you can seek a consultation with a medicinal
cannabis specialist clinic. Many operate entirely via
telehealth and are experienced in obtaining TGA approval
for a wide range of conditions.
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Where Can I Fill My Prescription?
At any licensed pharmacy or dispensary in Australia.
Tijuana Dispensary stocks a full range of TGA-authorised
medicinal cannabis oils, dry flower, capsules, and vape
products. Present your valid prescription and our team
will guide you to the right product.
