Australia medicinal cannabis products
These compilation lists provide comprehensive information concerning the distribution of unapproved medicinal cannabis products within Australia. The products were supplied through two main channels; the Special Access Scheme and the Authorised Prescriber scheme. The time frame under scrutiny for the distribution of these products is specifically from the commencement of the year, precisely on the 1st day of January, to the midpoint of the year, which falls on the 30th of June 2023. This period is significant because it allows for a detailed analysis of the supply trends for these medicinal cannabis products within a significant segment of the year. The lists are established on the foundation of compulsory sponsor six-month reporting data that is dutifully submitted to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), a government body that regulates therapeutic goods including prescription medicines, vaccines, sunscreens, vitamins and minerals, medical devices, blood products among others. This data is essential because it provides an authoritative and accurate source of information. To access this data, a link has been provided which leads directly to the TGA’s website. This official site is where all the data concerning the supply of medicinal cannabis products is consolidated, thereby providing a trustworthy and single reference point for the data utilized in the compilation of these lists. However, it is important to note that the lists exclude certain categories of data. Specifically, the list does not include medicinal cannabis products that have not been supplied through the Special Access Scheme or the Authorised Prescriber scheme. This means that the list strictly focuses on products distributed through these two schemes, thereby maintaining a narrow and specified scope of analysis. Additionally, the list also does not include reports submitted by sponsors after the end of the necessary reporting time frame. This exclusion is due to the need for timeliness in reporting, which is crucial to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of the data under analysis. Therefore, to ensure that the scope of the list remains precise and its contents remain reliable, these categories of data are deliberately not included in the list. In conclusion, these comprehensive lists offer an insight into the supply of unapproved medicinal cannabis products within Australia during the first half of the year 2023. The data is solely based on mandatory sponsor six-month reporting data submitted to the TGA and excludes any medicinal cannabis products not supplied via the Special Access Scheme or Authorised Prescriber scheme, or reports submitted after the required reporting time frame. The lists serve as a reliable tool for comprehending the trends in the supply of these products, thereby enabling relevant authorities and interested parties to make informed decisions in the context of medicinal cannabis product regulation and distribution.
These lists are designed to assist prescribers and pharmacists in prescribing and supplying medicinal cannabis products under the active ingredient categories. These lists should be used where TGA approval has been obtained and the prescriber requires assistance in choosing a product from the correct category, or the pharmacist wishes to ensure that the active ingredient(s) on the prescription matches the category in the TGA approval letter. Inclusion in these lists does not guarantee the product is available. The TGA is unable to provide advice in relation to specific products in these lists and recommends contacting the relevant sponsor.
Unapproved medicinal cannabis products are those that are not registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for legal supply in Australia. They can only be prescribed by authorised doctors under certain conditions and with TGA approval1. According to the TGA, there are four categories of unapproved medicinal cannabis products based on the proportion of cannabidiol (CBD) content compared with the total cannabinoid content of the medicine2. The most common reasons for prescribing unapproved medicinal cannabis products are chronic pain and anxiety, but the evidence for their effectiveness and safety is limited and varies by condition1. There is currently only one cannabis product that is a registered medicine in Australia – Nabiximols (marketed as Sativex)3.
If you want to learn more about the importation, manufacture and supply of unapproved medicinal cannabis products in Australia, you can read this guidance from the TGA.
Learn more:
2. tga.gov.au
3. cannigma.com
4. tga.gov.au
5. tga.gov.au
To get access to medicinal cannabis in Australia, you need to consult a doctor who can prescribe it for you. The doctor will have to submit an application to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on your behalf, and provide a clinical justification for why you need medicinal cannabis. The TGA will review your application and decide whether to approve it or not. If approved, the doctor will also arrange for a pharmacy to dispense the medication to you.
There are different pathways for accessing medicinal cannabis in Australia, depending on the type of product and the condition you have.
Learn more:
1. tga.gov.au
4. cannigma.com
The cost of getting access to medicinal cannabis in Australia depends on several factors, such as the type of product, the dosage, the consultation fees, and the pharmacy charges. According to some sources, the average monthly spend for a legal medical cannabis patient is $278, which works out to roughly $9.26 per day12. However, this may vary depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Some of the costs involved in getting access to medicinal cannabis are:
Consultation fees: You need to consult a doctor who can prescribe medicinal cannabis for you. The doctor will have to submit an application to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on your behalf and provide a clinical justification for why you need medicinal cannabis. The consultation fees may range from $80 to $15023. Some cannabis clinics may offer online consultations and follow-ups, which may reduce the travel costs and time involved2.
Product costs: The cost of purchasing your prescribed products may vary depending on the type, quality, potency, and quantity of the product. The product costs may range from $150 to $3,650 per month4. Some of the common types of products are CBD oil, THC oil, capsules, sprays, and flowers. The product costs may also depend on whether the product is imported or locally produced in Australia. Locally produced products may be cheaper and more accessible than imported ones1.
Pharmacy fees: You also need to pay for the pharmacy fees, which may include dispensing fees, delivery fees, and administration fees. The pharmacy fees may vary depending on the pharmacy you choose and the location you live in. Some pharmacies may offer discounts or subsidies for eligible patients1.
To get a more accurate estimate of how much it would cost you to get access to medicinal cannabis in Australia, you can use this [calculator] from Cannabis Access Clinics.
1: The Price of Medical Cannabis in Australia | Medical Marijuana Cost 2: How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost in Australia? 3: The Cost of Medical Cannabis In Australia – honahlee 4: How Much Does Medicinal Cannabis Cost in Australia? – Polln : https://cannabisaccessclinics.com.au/medical-cannabis-cost-calculator/
Learn more:
4. polln.com
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Is medicinal cannabis covered by insurance in Australia?
That’s a good question. The answer is not very straightforward, as different health insurance companies may have different policies and levels of coverage for medicinal cannabis. However, according to some sources, the majority of health insurance companies in Australia provide some coverage for medicinal cannabis in some form12. The exact coverage will depend on your specific plan, the type of product, the dosage, and the condition you have.
Some of the health insurance companies that cover medicinal cannabis in Australia are:
HIF: HIF was the first major private health insurer in Australia to publicly declare support for medicinal cannabis and one of the first to offer rebates for the treatments under their extras policies3. HIF covers up to $105 per script for any TGA-approved medicinal cannabis product, with a limit of four scripts per year4.
Medibank: Medibank covers up to $300 per year for any TGA-approved medicinal cannabis product under its Gold and Silver Plus extras policies4. Medibank also offers a 10% discount on CDA Clinics consultations for its members.
Bupa: Bupa covers up to $600 per year for any TGA-approved medicinal cannabis product under its Gold extras policy4. Bupa also offers a 10% discount on CDA Clinics consultations for its members.
NIB: NIB covers up to $300 per year for any TGA-approved medicinal cannabis product under its Top extras policy4. NIB also offers a 10% discount on CDA Clinics consultations for its members.
These are just some examples of the health insurance companies that cover medicinal cannabis in Australia. You can find more information about them and others from these sources234.However, it is important to note that even if your health insurance covers medicinal cannabis, you still need to get a prescription from a doctor and approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to access it legally.
1: Does Health Insurance Cover Medical Cannabis? – Alternaleaf 2: List Of Health Insurers Covering CBD Oil & Cannabis | honahlee 3: Australian Insurance Companies provide cover for medicinal cannabis 4: Medicinal cannabis laws in Australia: NSW, VIC & more | Finder : CDA Clinics – Medical Cannabis Consultations
Learn more:
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What are the eligibility criteria for getting coverage of medicinal cannabis by insurance?
The eligibility criteria for getting coverage of medicinal cannabis by insurance may vary depending on your health insurance company and your specific plan. However, based on the web search results, some of the common criteria are:
You have a chronic medical condition or conditions that may be treated by cannabis, such as chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, etc.
You have tried other treatments for your medical condition(s) and they have failed to provide relief of symptoms or caused intolerable side effects.
You have a prescription from a doctor who is authorised to prescribe medicinal cannabis and has obtained approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on your behalf.
You have proof of your TGA approval, a letter from your doctor, and a pharmacy receipt that proves the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) did not cover your medication.
Some of the health insurance companies that cover medicinal cannabis in Australia are HIF, Medibank, Bupa, and NIB.
Learn more:
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Can I get coverage for imported medicinal cannabis products?
That’s a good question. The answer is not very straightforward, as different health insurance companies may have different policies and levels of coverage for medicinal cannabis. However, according to some sources, the majority of health insurance companies in Australia provide some coverage for medicinal cannabis in some form12. The exact coverage will depend on your specific plan, the type of product, the dosage, and the condition you have.
Some of the health insurance companies that cover medicinal cannabis in Australia are:
HIF: HIF was the first major private health insurer in Australia to publicly declare support for medicinal cannabis and one of the first to offer rebates for the treatments under their extras policies3. HIF covers up to $105 per script for any TGA-approved medicinal cannabis product, with a limit of four scripts per year4.
Medibank: Medibank covers up to $300 per year for any TGA-approved medicinal cannabis product under its Gold and Silver Plus extras policies4. Medibank also offers a 10% discount on CDA Clinics consultations for its members.
Bupa: Bupa covers up to $600 per year for any TGA-approved medicinal cannabis product under its Gold extras policy4. Bupa also offers a 10% discount on CDA Clinics consultations for its members.
NIB: NIB covers up to $300 per year for any TGA-approved medicinal cannabis product under its Top extras policy4. NIB also offers a 10% discount on CDA Clinics consultations for its members.
These are just some examples of the health insurance companies that cover medicinal cannabis in Australia. You can find more information about them and others from these sources234.
However, it is important to note that even if your health insurance covers medicinal cannabis, you still need to get a prescription from a doctor and approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to access it legally. You can read more about how to get access to medicinal cannabis in Australia from my previous answer.
1: Does Health Insurance Cover Medical Cannabis? – Alternaleaf 2: List Of Health Insurers Covering CBD Oil & Cannabis | honahlee 3: Australian Insurance Companies provide cover for medicinal cannabis 4: Medicinal cannabis laws in Australia: NSW, VIC & more | Finder : CDA Clinics – Medical Cannabis Consultations
Learn more:
1. odc.gov.au
2. tga.gov.au
3. wegrowls.com
5. odc.gov.au
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What are the legal requirements for importing medicinal cannabis products in Australia
The legal requirements for importing medicinal cannabis products in Australia are complex and vary depending on the type of product, the purpose of import, and the source of manufacture. However, based on the web search results, some of the common requirements are:
You need to obtain a licence and a permit from the Office of Drug Control (ODC) before importing any form of cannabis, cannabis resin, extract, or cannabinoid for medicinal purposes1.
You need to have a prescription from a doctor who is authorised to prescribe medicinal cannabis and has obtained approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on your behalf12.
You need to ensure that the product you are importing meets the TGA standards for quality, safety, and efficacy2. The product may also need to comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) licence requirements and the Medicinal Cannabis Licence from the ODC2.
You need to provide proof of your TGA approval, a letter from your doctor, and a pharmacy receipt that shows that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) did not cover your medication3.
Learn more:
1. odc.gov.au
2. tga.gov.au
3. odc.gov.au
4. odc.gov.au
Can I import my own medical marijuana from overseas to Australia?
Searching for: importing personal medical marijuana from overseas to Australia
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I’m sorry, but the answer is no. You cannot import your own medical marijuana from overseas to Australia, unless you have a special exemption from the Australian authorities. Medical marijuana is a controlled substance in Australia, and importing it without a licence and a permit is illegal and may result in penalties1.
The only way you can legally access medical marijuana in Australia is by getting a prescription from a doctor who is authorised to prescribe it and has obtained approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on your behalf12. The doctor will also arrange for a pharmacy to dispense the medication to you. You can read more about how to get access to medical marijuana in Australia from my previous answer.
There is one exception to this rule, which is called the traveller’s exemption. This means that if you are travelling to Australia with your personal medication, you can carry up to 3 months’ supply of medical marijuana for your own use or for another passenger under your care, as long as you have a prescription from a medical practitioner and the medication was supplied to you by a pharmacist2. You may need to provide evidence of your prescription and the amount of medication you are carrying on entry into Australia2.
However, this exemption does not apply to importing medical marijuana from overseas by mail or courier. It only applies to travellers who are physically carrying their medication on board a ship or aircraft entering Australia2. You also need to make sure that the medication you are bringing into Australia meets the TGA standards for quality, safety, and efficacy2.
1: Importing medicinal cannabis products into Australia 2: Medicinal cannabis: importation and the traveller’s exemption 3: Travelling with Medicinal Cannabis | C4E 4: Travelling with cannabis medicine | Centre for Medicinal Cannabis …
Learn more:
1. odc.gov.au
2. tga.gov.au
3. odc.gov.au
4. c4e.com.au
5. medicinalcannabis.nsw.gov.au
Category of medicinal cannabis product
Categories of medicinal cannabis product have been determined based on proportion of cannabidiol content compared with the total cannabinoid content of the medicine.
The category determination of products must be made by sponsors in accordance with the stated content of active ingredients specified on the product label.
Product information has been self-declared by sponsors and the TGA cannot guarantee and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, currency, completeness or interpretation of the information. It is an offence to provide false or misleading information to a government agency. The TGA will be conducting routine compliance assessments as part of ongoing compliance audits.
Category 1: CBD medicinal cannabis product (CBD ≥ 98%)
Products included in Category 1:
- are Schedule 4 Prescription Only medicines as per the Poisons Standard; and
- cannabidiol comprises 98% or more of the total cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- any cannabinoids, other than cannabidiol, in the medicine are only those naturally found in cannabis and comprise 2% or less of the total cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- the medicine contains no other active ingredients
Show 102550100 entriesSearch:
| Dosage Form | Active Ingredient(s) | Qty per dosage unit | Name of Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | CBD 25mg | 60 | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Capsule | CBD 200mg | 120 | Orygen |
| Capsule | CBD 200mg | 240 | Orygen |
| Capsule | CBD 25mg | 30 | Cann Group Limited |
| Capsule | CBD 50mg | 30 | Cann Group Limited |
| Capsule | CBD 50mg | 15 | Cann Group Limited |
| Capsule | CBD 31.4mg | 30 | Phytoca Pty Ltd |
| Gel | CBD 3.3mg/mL | 30mL | TCann Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | CBD 110mg/g | 10g | Medicann Health Aust Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | CBD 120mg/g | 10g | Little Green Pharma Ltd |
Category 2: CBD dominant medicinal cannabis product (CBD ≥ 60% and < 98%)
Products included in Category 2:
- are Schedule 8 Controlled Drugs as per the Poisons Standard; and
- cannabidiol derived from cannabis comprises 60% or more and less than 98% of the total cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- other cannabinoids (including tetrahydrocannabinol) derived from cannabis comprise the remaining cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- the medicine contains no other active ingredients
Show 102550100 entriesSearch:
| Dosage Form | Active Ingredient(s) | Qty per dosage unit | Name of Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | CBD 25mg, <4% CBG | 60 | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Capsule | CBD 20mg, THC <1.0mg | 30 | Anspec Pty Ltd |
| Capsule | CBD 3.75mg, THC 2.5mg | 60 | Anspec Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | CBD 7.5% | 5g | Novachem Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | CBD 15%, THC <1% | 10g | Cymra Life Sciences Ltd |
| Herb, dried | CBD 160mg/g, THC <1% | 10g | Burleigh Heads Cannabis |
| Herb, dried | CBD 100mg/g, THC 40mg/g | 7g | TCann Pty Ltd |
| Inhalation | CBD 310mg, THC <30mg | 0.5g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Inhalation | CBD 620mg, THC <60mg | 1.0g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Oil | CBD 166.67mg/mL (Other cannabinoids 6.73%) | 30mL | Gamma Biomedical Pty Ltd |
Category 3: Balanced medicinal cannabis product (CBD <60% and ≥ 40%)
Products included in Category 3:
- are Schedule 8 Controlled Drugs as per the Poisons Standard; and
- cannabidiol derived from cannabis comprises 40% or more and less than 60% of the total cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- other cannabinoids (including tetrahydrocannabinol) derived from cannabis comprise the remaining cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- the medicine contains no other active ingredients
Show 102550100 entriesSearch:
| Dosage Form | Active Ingredient(s) | Qty per dosage unit | Name of Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | CBD 2.5mg, THC 2.5mg | 30 | SatiVite Pty Ltd |
| Capsule | CBD 10mg, THC 10mg | 30 | SatiVite Pty Ltd |
| Capsule | CBD 9mg, THC 10mg | 30 | SatiVite Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | CBD 9%, THC 7% | 10g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | CBD 8%, THC 6.3% | 5g | Novachem Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | CBD 9.0%, THC 9.0% | 15g | Tilray Australia New Zealand |
| Herb, dried | CBD 10.0%, THC 10.0% | 15g | Tilray Australia New Zealand |
| Herb, dried | CBD 60mg/g, THC 60mg/g | 10g | Burleigh Heads Cannabis |
| Herb, dried | CBD 70mg/g, THC 80mg/g | 15g | Anspec Pty Ltd |
| Inhalation | CBD 400mg/g, THC 350mg/g | 1mL | Burleigh Heads Cannabis |
Category 4: THC dominant medicinal cannabis product (THC 60% – 98%)
Products included in Category 4:
- are Schedule 8 Controlled Drugs as per the Poisons Standard; and
- other cannabinoids (including tetrahydrocannabinol) derived from cannabis comprise 60% or more and 98% or less of the total cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- cannabidiol derived from cannabis comprises 2% or more and less than 40% of the total cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- the medicine contains no other active ingredients
Show 102550100 entriesSearch:
| Dosage Form | Active Ingredient(s) | Qty per dosage unit | Name of Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | CBD <1mg, THC 2.5mg | 60 | Anspec Pty Ltd |
| Capsule | CBD <1mg, THC 10mg | 30 | Anspec Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | CBD ≤1%, THC 21% | 10g | Cann Group Limited |
| Herb, dried | CBD ≤1%, THC 22% | 10g | Cann Group Limited |
| Herb, dried | CBD ≤1%, THC 24% | 10g | Cann Group Limited |
| Herb, dried | CBD ≤1%, THC 29% | 10g | Cann Group Limited |
| Herb, dried | CBD ≤1%, THC 26% | 10g | Cann Group Limited |
| Herb, dried | CBD ≤1%, THC 19% | 10g | Cann Group Limited |
| Herb, dried | CBD ≤1%, THC 20% | 10g | Cann Group Limited |
| Herb, dried | CBD ≤1%, THC 22% | 10g | Elevated Extracts (Naturally Elevated Pty Ltd) |
Category 5: THC medicinal cannabis product (THC >98%)
Products included in Category 5:
- are Schedule 8 Controlled Drugs as per the Poisons Standard; and
- cannabinoids, other than cannabidiol, in the medicine are only those naturally found in cannabis and comprise more than 98% of the total cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- cannabidiol comprises less than 2% less of the total cannabinoid content of the medicine; and
- the medicine contains no other active ingredients
Show 102550100 entriesSearch:
| Dosage Form | Active Ingredient(s) | Qty per dosage unit | Name of Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herb, dried | THC 26% | 10g | Precision Pharmaceuticals |
| Herb, dried | THC 30% | 10g | Precision Pharmaceuticals |
| Herb, dried | THC 25% | 10g | Precision Pharmaceuticals |
| Herb, dried | THC 21% | 10g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | THC 17% | 10g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | THC 18% | 10g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | THC 20% | 10g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | THC 22% | 10g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | THC 25% | 10g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
| Herb, dried | THC 55% | 3g | Cannatrek Medical Pty Ltd |
