FAQS about medical Cannabis 

FAQs About Medical Cannabis in Australia

Medical cannabis in Australia has evolved significantly in recent years, offering patients with various medical conditions a legal and regulated option for treatment. However, as this area remains relatively new, many people still have questions about how medical cannabis works, who can access it, and how they can begin treatment. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you understand how medical cannabis works and how MOCA Health can guide you through the process.

1. What is medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis and its components, such as cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), for therapeutic purposes. In Australia, only products approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are legally prescribed and used for medical treatment. These products may come in the form of oils, tinctures, capsules, or dried flower, and they can be used to treat a variety of conditions.

2. How is medical cannabis different from recreational cannabis?

The main difference between medical and recreational cannabis lies in their intended use and regulation. Medical cannabis is prescribed by a healthcare professional and is strictly regulated by the TGA. It is used to treat specific medical conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. Recreational cannabis, on the other hand, is used for non-medical purposes and is illegal in Australia unless you are in the Australian Capital Territory, where it has been decriminalised in small quantities for personal use.

3. Who can access medical cannabis in Australia?

In Australia, medical cannabis is available to patients with specific medical conditions. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Chronic pain

• Cancer-related symptoms

• Epilepsy

• Anxiety and PTSD

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy

To access medical cannabis, a patient must have a prescription from an authorised prescriber—a doctor who is approved to prescribe medical cannabis products.

4. How can I access medical cannabis?

To access medical cannabis through MOCA Health, patients must first have a consultation with a healthcare professional. MOCA Health provides telehealth consultations, making it easier for patients across Australia to access a doctor who is experienced in prescribing medical cannabis. During the consultation, the doctor will assess your medical history and determine whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your treatment.

If eligible, the doctor will submit a prescription for TGA-approved medical cannabis to the TGA for approval. Once the prescription is approved, you can legally purchase your prescribed medical cannabis from an authorised supplier, such as MOCA Health.

5. What conditions can be treated with medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating various conditions, including:

• Chronic pain: Patients with conditions like arthritis or back pain may benefit from cannabis' pain-relieving properties.

• Cancer: Cannabis can help manage symptoms associated with cancer treatments, such as pain, nausea, and loss of appetite.

• Epilepsy: Certain cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have shown to reduce the frequency of seizures.

• Mental health: Cannabis may assist in managing anxiety, PTSD, and depression, though more research is needed in this area.

• Neurological conditions: Cannabis may offer relief to patients with conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), improving mobility and reducing muscle spasms.

6. What are the benefits of medical cannabis?

The benefits of medical cannabis include:

• Pain relief: Many patients find significant relief from chronic pain, reducing their reliance on traditional pain medications.

• Improved quality of life: By alleviating symptoms like pain, nausea, and anxiety, medical cannabis can improve a patient’s overall quality of life.

• Fewer side effects: Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, cannabis has fewer side effects and a lower risk of addiction, particularly when used under medical supervision.

• Non-psychoactive options: CBD-based products allow patients to benefit from cannabis without experiencing the psychoactive effects typically associated with THC.

7. Is medical cannabis legal in Australia?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal in Australia, but only when prescribed by an authorised healthcare professional. The TGA regulates the use of medical cannabis to ensure patient safety and the efficacy of the products. Medical cannabis products are strictly monitored, ensuring quality control and patient protection.

8. Is medical cannabis safe?

Medical cannabis is generally considered safe when used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. It is important to follow dosing recommendations and guidelines to avoid potential side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness. The products prescribed by MOCA Health are TGA-approved, which means they are regulated and tested for safety and efficacy.

9. How do I book a consultation with MOCA Health?

Booking a consultation with MOCA Health is simple. You can book a telehealth consultation with one of our authorised prescribers by visiting our Booking Page. Our doctors will assess your medical condition and determine whether medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment option for you.

10. How long does it take to receive approval for medical cannabis?

After your consultation with a healthcare professional, the prescription will be submitted to the TGA for approval. This process usually takes between 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. Once approved, you can begin your treatment with medical cannabis.

11. What happens after I receive my prescription?

Once you have your approved prescription, you can legally purchase TGA-approved medical cannabis from authorised suppliers, such as MOCA Health. Our team will guide you on how to access and use the prescribed products safely.

12. Will medical cannabis get me high?

Not necessarily. CBD products, which are non-psychoactive, are commonly used for pain relief, anxiety, and other conditions without causing the "high" typically associated with cannabis. THC products may cause psychoactive effects, but they are prescribed with caution to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Contact Us Here!

For more information or to book a consultation, visit MOCA Health. We are here to guide you every step of the way toward accessing safe, legal, and effective medical cannabis treatment.