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.
Healthcare providers in jurisdictions developing medical cannabis programs, Australian prescribers, and policy researchers.
28,000+ prescribing approvals by end of 2019
What the researchers 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.
Why it 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 numbers in context
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 the study worked
Clinical review of Australia's medical cannabis prescribing framework, covering access schemes, available products, evidence for indications, and practical prescribing considerations.
What this study cannot 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.
How to read the evidence
Practical clinical review based on regulatory data and available evidence.
When this study was published
2020 review.
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.
Questions still open
- Are patients getting good outcomes from these prescriptions? Would more clinical education increase prescribing confidence among cautious doctors?
Common questions
How do you get medical cannabis in Australia?
What is medical cannabis prescribed for in Australia?
Read the original research
Prescribing medicinal cannabis.
Australian prescriber, 43(5), 152-159
Citation
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
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