Plant-based refers to treatment that comes naturally from plants.

These treatments are known to potentially treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing. They are often part of a holistic health plan.

Medicinal cannabis is a range of cannabis that is regulated and legally approved for human therapeutic use.

The quality and safety of the treatment is carefully controlled and standardised.

CBD and THC are both cannabis plant compounds. However, their effects on your body are very different.

CBD is non-psychoactive and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. THC is psychoactive and has analgesic and appetite stimulant benefits.

Out of the two, THC will likely give you a ‘high’ feeling.

To be considered for medicinal cannabis treatment, you must:

• Have had a chronic condition for at least three months

• Have exhausted all conventional treatment options or experienced adverse side effects to these treatments

• Be over 18

• Be an Australian resident

You should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking medicinal cannabis with THC.

As the treatment can slow reaction times, it is critical for the safety of you and others that you follow regulation.

Please speak to your prescribing doctor to learn more.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or hope to become pregnant, you should avoid medicinal cannabis treatment.

Your doctor will assess your condition.

If they conclude that plant-based treatment is appropriate, they will apply to the TGA on your behalf.

It is then up to the TGA to approve your application. If approved, your doctor will then write you a prescription and help you access the treatment.

Please speak to your doctor for personalised advice.

The Australian medicinal cannabis market is heavily regulated, ensuring a high quality of raw ingredients, procedures and finished products. The Therapeutic Goods Order (Standard for Medicinal Cannabis) (TGO 93) is just one of various standards that apply to medicinal cannabis products. All medicines that are not produced in a GMP (Goods Manufacturing Practice – guidelines for manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance of products) certified laboratory are subject to on-going stability studies. For medicines to meet GMP standards, stability test methods require validation and documentation that meet the requirements of the PIC/S Guide to GMP.

It depends on the type of cannabis.

CBD has minimal side effects. However, THC is known for its euphoric effects.

Side effects for both may include:

• Tiredness or drowsiness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Changes in appetite

• Dry mouth

• Low blood pressure

• Dizziness

• Anxiety

• Euphoria and cognitive effects

We also advise against smoking or vaping cannabis, as this poses risks to lung health.

Please discuss potential side effects with your doctor.

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