How to access cannabis flowers in Australia as medication.

In Australia, access to medicinal cannabis products is tightly regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and patients must have a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner in order to access these products.

To access cannabis flowers as a medication in Australia, patients must follow the following steps:

1. Consult with a registered medical practitioner: Patients must first consult with a registered medical practitioner who is authorized to prescribe medicinal cannabis products. The medical practitioner will assess the patient's medical history and determine whether cannabis is a suitable treatment option.

2. Apply for approval: The medical practitioner will need to apply to the TGA for approval to prescribe medicinal cannabis products on behalf of the patient. The TGA will review the application and make a determination based on a range of factors, including the patient's medical condition and history, and the proposed treatment plan.

3. Obtain a prescription: If the TGA approves the application, the medical practitioner will be able to issue a prescription for medicinal cannabis products. The prescription must be filled at a licensed pharmacy, which can order the required products from a licensed supplier.

It is important to note that cannabis flowers are not currently listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which means that they are not approved for use as a medication in Australia. However, certain cannabis-based medicines that contain standardised amounts of THC and CBD are approved for use in specific medical conditions, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

It is also important to note that medicinal cannabis products can be expensive, and are not currently covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Patients may be required to pay the full cost of the medication themselves.