Medical Cannabis Appointment - What to expect.

Remember: This post does not substitute professional medical advice; the doctor will determine if medical cannabis is safe and suitable for your condition.

An initial medical cannabis appointment typically lasts 15-30 minutes and involves the following steps:

1. Review of Medical History

The medical cannabis appointment starts with the doctor conducting a detailed review of your medical history.

You will discuss previous treatments and their effectiveness in managing your symptoms.

Prepare a list of past medications you've tried, noting any side effects experienced, to share with the doctor.

2. Eligibility Assessment

To qualify for medical cannabis, you must meet the following criteria:

• Diagnosed with a chronic medical condition
• Trialled first-line treatment options for this chronic condition. These treatment options may include medication, physiotherapy, chiropractic, psychology
• Not have any contraindications (things that make this treatment unsuitable) to using medicinal cannabis

The doctor will assess your medical records to determine if you meet these requirements. In many cases, evidence of ongoing treatment and a referral from your treating practitioner can streamline this process.

3. Discussion About Medical Cannabis

During this part of the appointment, the doctor will explain:

• How medical cannabis works and its potential benefits for your condition
• The different types of products available (e.g., oils, flower, vapes, capsules)
• Possible side effects, risks, and how to manage them
• Administration methods, dosage, and how to titrate (gradually adjust your dose)

4. Treatment Plan

If deemed appropriate, the doctor will create a personalised treatment plan. This typically includes:

• Product type: The specific cannabis product recommended for your condition
• Dosage: A starting dose, usually low to start with, with plans to gradually increase
• Follow-up schedule: Regular check-ins to monitor progress and make adjustments

5. Prescription and Access

Once prescribed, you can obtain your medical cannabis from an approved pharmacy. E-scripts will be sent to you and can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice. Some pharmacies will ship to your home. Medio Health partners with pharmacies that stock a wide range of products and offer competitive pricing.

If the doctor determines that medical cannabis isn't the right option, they will suggest alternative treatments or refer you to another specialist.

Note: Costs vary depending on the product type and pharmacy. Many products are not covered by the PBS, but pricing has become more competitive in recent years.

6. TGA Approval Process

Some doctors who prescribe medical cannabis may have to make an application to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval to prescribe this treatment to you. This process can take 1-5 days.

Our doctors are Authorised Prescribers, meaning that can prescribe instantly to their patients and avoid delays in starting treatment.