What should I do if I am presented with a prescription?

1. Confirm that the prescriber is authorised to prescribe medicinal cannabis (some states/ territories provide a health department approval number, often written on the prescription), and that the prescription meets all state/territory requirements, noting any additional requirements for Schedule 8 prescriptions. You may need to contact your state/territory health department to confirm the approval.
   
   
2. Consider possible adverse effects associated with the prescribed medicinal cannabis when reviewing its use, as well as possible interactions with other medications, and the patient’s medical condition(s).
   
   
3. If the prescription is for a registered medicinal cannabis product eg, nabiximols (Sativex), order online once affordability has been confirmed with the patient.
   
   
4. If the prescription is for an unregistered medicinal cannabis product, you will need to identify the manufacturer or sponsor/supplier. This information may be found on the Special Access Scheme (SAS) or Authorised Prescriber (AP) forms. You may need to contact the prescriber if you have not been provided with a copy of the SAS or AP forms.
   
   
5. Once you identify the manufacturer of the prescribed unregistered medicinal cannabis product, you can check the local manufacturer’s details and/or the sponsor/supplier (through the Office of Drug Control website).
   
   
6. If the product is not available through the sponsor, you need to apply for a licence and a permit in order to import the unregistered medicinal cannabis product from an approved overseas manufacturer.
   
   
7. Order the unregistered medicinal cannabis product through the identified sponsor or manufacturer once affordability has been confirmed with the patient. The sponsor/manufacturer will request a copy of the licence and permit approval as well as SAS/AP approval.
   
   
8. Once received, store the medicinal cannabis product according to its Schedule requirement until the patient collects the product.
   
   
9. Review the use of the medicinal cannabis product with the patient as you would with any other medicine and counsel on safe and appropriate use as prescribed.
   
   
10. Ensure you comply with all ordering, supply/dispensing, reporting and monitoring as per your state/territory requirements. Note: certain states/territories do not allow for the ordering or storage of unregistered medicinal cannabis products in anticipation of a prescription.

Note: certain states/territories do not allow for the ordering or storage of unregistered medicinal cannabis products in anticipation of a prescription.