How Australia's medical cannabis prescribing system works in practice
By late 2019, over 28,000 medical cannabis prescribing approvals had been issued in Australia, mostly for chronic pain and anxiety, with more than 100 products available but many doctors remaining cautious about prescribing.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
More than 100 cannabis products are available in Australia, mostly oral preparations (oils) or capsules containing THC or CBD. By end of 2019, over 28,000 approvals had been issued involving 1,400+ doctors, mostly GPs. Over 70,000 approvals were projected for 2020. Most prescriptions are for chronic non-cancer pain, anxiety, cancer-related symptoms, epilepsy, and neurological disorders. Supply chain problems can delay dispensing.
Key Numbers
Over 100 products available. 28,000+ approvals by end 2019. 1,400+ prescribing doctors. 70,000+ projected by end 2020. Most approvals for chronic non-cancer pain, anxiety, cancer symptoms, epilepsy.
How They Did This
Clinical review of Australia's medical cannabis prescribing framework, covering access schemes, available products, evidence for indications, and practical prescribing considerations.
Why This Research Matters
Australia's system provides a model for regulated medical cannabis access that other countries may follow, with lessons about what works and what challenges remain.
The Bigger Picture
The rapid growth from 0 to 28,000+ approvals in just 3 years shows strong demand, but the cautious stance of many doctors highlights the gap between patient interest and clinical confidence.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Australian system may not apply to other regulatory contexts. Evidence supporting some common indications (e.g., chronic pain, anxiety) is limited. No outcome data on whether prescriptions are effective.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are patients getting good outcomes from these prescriptions?
- ?Would more clinical education increase prescribing confidence among cautious doctors?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 28,000+ prescribing approvals by end of 2019
- Evidence Grade:
- Practical clinical review based on regulatory data and available evidence.
- Study Age:
- 2020 review.
- Original Title:
- Prescribing medicinal cannabis.
- Published In:
- Australian prescriber, 43(5), 152-159 (2020)
- Authors:
- Arnold, Jonathon C(28), Nation, Tamara, McGregor, Iain S(55)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02394
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get medical cannabis in Australia?
Doctors can prescribe via the Special Access Scheme-B (online application, approval in 24-48 hours) or Authorized Prescriber Scheme. Most products are oral preparations (oils) or capsules.
What is medical cannabis prescribed for in Australia?
The most common indications are chronic non-cancer pain, anxiety, cancer-related symptoms, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02394APA
Arnold, Jonathon C; Nation, Tamara; McGregor, Iain S. (2020). Prescribing medicinal cannabis.. Australian prescriber, 43(5), 152-159. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2020.052
MLA
Arnold, Jonathon C, et al. "Prescribing medicinal cannabis.." Australian prescriber, 2020. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2020.052
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Prescribing medicinal cannabis." RTHC-02394. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/arnold-2020-prescribing-medicinal-cannabis
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.