Alternative medicine refers to cannabis and cannabinoids prescribed by physicians to treat various medical conditions.

It contains cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which have therapeutic effects.

In Australia, alternative medicine is different to recreational cannabis (also known as marijuana) in that: 

• alternative medicine products must comply with the Australian standards for producing pharmaceutical grade medicines 

• it contains known quantities of the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD) whereas recreational cannabis usually contains unknown and high quantities of THC 

• it is cultivated and manufactured legally 

• it is intended to address a health condition or symptom.

Yes, alternative medicine is legal in Australia, but it requires a prescription from an authorised healthcare practitioner.

There are thousands of different alternative medicine products available. They include oils, capsules, tinctures, and dried flower for vaporization.

Patients can obtain alternative medicine through a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. The physician will assess the patient's condition and determine if alternative medicine is an appropriate treatment option.

Alternative medicine products can be obtained from pharmacies authorised to dispense them. Patients must have a prescription from a registered doctor or health practitioner.

Currently, most health insurance plans in Australia do not cover the cost of alternative medicine. Patients typically have to pay out-of-pocket for their medication.

Common side effects of alternative medicine may include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. However, side effects vary depending on the individual and the form of alternative medicine used.

Alternative medicine is not considered to be a ‘first line’ treatment for any health condition. It should only be considered as a treatment if standard approved treatments have not worked effectively. 

Before starting any medicine, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about how much to take, how to take it and what side effects you need to be aware of.  If you have been prescribed alternative medicine, always take the dose (amount) as directed. 

Alternative medicine products can be taken in several ways: 

Spray: When sprayed into the mouth or under the tongue, alternative medicine can start to take effect between 10 minutes and 90 minutes, and effects are usually strongest after 2–4 hours.

Swallowing: When swallowed as oils, liquid capsules or tablets, alternative medicine effects usually start after 30–90 minutes and are strongest after 2–4 hours. The effects may last 24 hours.

Vaporising: Vaporising heats the alternative medicine without burning it and releases the cannabinoids and other chemicals in the form of a vapour which is then inhaled.

Check the TGA website for more information.

No. Smoking increases the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and other serious health conditions.  In addition, smoking alternative medicine makes it difficult to be sure you are getting the right dose  of medicine. Smoking of alternative medicine products is not recommended.

It is not legal to drive with any amount of THC in your system in all states in Australia (except Tasmania), even if you are a alternative medicine patient with a valid prescription. Alternative medicine can impair cognitive function and motor skills, so it's essential to use caution.

Traveling with alternative medicine within Australia is possible, but patients should carry their prescription and any necessary documentation to avoid legal issues. Rules regarding traveling with alternative medicine vary between states and territories.

Traveling internationally with alternative medicine can be complex and may not be permitted in some countries. Patients should research the laws and regulations of their destination country before traveling and obtain any necessary permits or documentation.

Generally, cultivating alternative medicine for medicinal purposes is not legal for individual patients in Australia. However, some states and territories may have specific regulations allowing limited cultivation under certain circumstances.

Patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks of alternative medicine with their healthcare provider. A thorough assessment of the patient's medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals will help determine if alternative medicine is a suitable option.

Yes, research on the therapeutic effects of medicinal alternative medicine is ongoing in Australia, exploring its potential benefits for various medical conditions and improving our understanding of its efficacy and safety.

The only forms of proof that you are a alternative medicine patient are:

•The TGA SAS B authorisation letter (which is less and less frequently used as most health professionals are now Authorised Prescribers)

• Your prescription (paper or eScript)

• The original medicine packaging that should have a pharmacy label with your prescriber’s name, pharmacy name, your name and the product name. The information on the product packaging is proof that you are a patient.

In 2016, the Australian Government legalised access to alternative medicine. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the supply of alternative medicine.

Most alternative medicine products are unregistered drugs. This means that they have not gone through the same regulatory process as other prescription medicines. More information is available on the TGA website.

To prescribe these products, your doctor must have approval from the TGA. This can be via the Special Access Scheme-B or Authorised Prescriber Scheme.