Information About Medicinal Cannabis
Medicinal Cannabis is regulated by TGA as a ‘non-therapeutic’ medication. People should have realistic expectations when trialling Medicinal Cannabis for the first time, in that it is often not a magical medication that automatically cures everything for everybody. Medicinal Cannabis may eleviate many symptoms, it also may not.
The pathway to Cannabinoid prescription involves a consultation with one of our Cannabis Clinic Doctors, who are Authorised Prescribers of these products. CBD clinic runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Cannabis, particularly THC, is a Schedule 8 medication and is regulated by the Federal Government, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and the state-based Department of Health Services (DHS). Access to medicinal cannabis requires TGA application through SAS B permit system, or through Authorised Prescriber (AP) authority. Reporting to the TGA is mandatory for each AP prescribing Doctor.
Once granted, permits are valid for 12 - 24 months.
To access a prescription, make an appointment through our Cannabis Clinic to see one of our Authorised Prescribing Doctors.
For further information, check out the Melbourne Medicinal Cannabis Network.
A History Of Treating With Medicinal Cannabis
Cannabis has been used in various forms in both ancient and modern times for a vast array of conditions. Medical research into the medicinal use of cannabis is currently relatively limited, however, more and more studies are being performed on the use of medicinal cannabis to treat a number of conditions.
More than 100 different cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis, however, there are 2 main compounds that are medically important: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Medicinal cannabis products have different actions depending on the ratio of THC to CBD. CBD acts to balance out the psychoactive effects of THC, so combining CBD with THC allows a larger dose of THC with limited psychoactive side effects.
THC and CBD have the exact same molecule make up, with slight difference in how their atoms are arranged to give a slightly different molecular structure. THC is the main psychoactive compound of Cannabis that produces the 'high' sensation. Although CBD is psychoactive, it does not produce a 'high', instead helping with anxiety, depression and seizures.
THC and CBD are chemically similar to normal existing endocannabinoids neurotransmitters in the human body.
THC binds to Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain, producing a sense of euphoria, or a 'high'. CBD binds weakly, if at all, to these CB1 receptions. CBD needs THC to bind to the CB1 receptor, and can help reduce some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC (such as euphoria or sedation). CBD is very well tolerated, even in large doses.
Uses
Medicinal Cannabis is utilised to treat a variety of medical conditions, with differing CBD/THC components used for different issues.
1. CBD Dominant
Seizures, Inflammation, Chronic Pain, Psychosis or mental disorders, Inflammatory bowel disease, Nausea, Migraine, Depression, Anxiety
2. THC Dominant
Chronic pain, Muscle Spasticity, Glaucoma, Insomnia, Low appetite, Nausea, Anxiety
3. Balanced Dose
Anxiety, Tremor, Migraine, PTSD, Insomnia, Arthritis, Nausea, Vomiting, Chronic Pain
Drug Testing & Driving
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are stored in adipose tissue, the bodies fat cells, and can be detected for several days or weeks after using them. Drug testing for THC can be done on saliva, blood or urine.
Police issue roadside drug tests look for chemicals related to THC in saliva, however saliva THC has been shown to not reflect plasma levels of THC or be reflective of driving impairment, so this makes zero sense.
In Australia, it is an offence to drive with any amount of THC in your saliva, although again this makes no sense as saliva level of THC has been shown to not be reflective of driving impairement.
There is no medical defense for driving with THC in your system in Victoria, although there is in Tasmania. Again, this makes no sense. In fact, Australia is one of the only countries in the world without a medical defence for driving with THC detectable in saliva if not impaired. You can drive on heroin with a medical defense, but not THC detectible in your saliva.
Evidence shows that saliva THC is undetectable 6 hours after THC use in approximatatley 95% of people. In 5% of people THC persists in saliva longer than 6 hours and potentially up to 72 hours.
Oral THC detection is thought to be due to coating of oral mucosa with THC, and lasts longer with oral THC relative to inhaled THC, and is not reflective of plasma THC level or level of impairment.
Oral THC detection, that again is not reflective of blood THC levels or level of impairement and is a ridiculous measurement of THC, may be further reduced by mouthwash that people may have in their car.
In conclusion, oral THC detection is estmiated to fall to zero after 6 hours in 95% of people but may last up to 72 hours with no guarantees. This may be further reduced with car based mouthwash.
Legally you are not allowed to drive with detectable THC in your saliva and it is almost impossible to tell what time frame.
There is a wide range of CBD dominant products containing almost zero THC that are likely safe to drive while taking due to undetectable amounts of THC. This should be discussed with a doctor though.
Cost
Consultation with a Medicinal Cannabis Expert Doctor is $150 out of pocket. There is no charge for prescriptions.
The script is then taken to a registered Pharmacy, with our clinic providing the Pharmacist with paperwork required for this TGA permitted medication.
Our recommended Pharmacy already holds all the necessary paperwork, streamlining this process. The cost of Medicinal Cannabis products is roughly between $100 - $200 payable to the pharmacist on dispensation, although this price is approximate and should be discussed with the Pharmacy.
Repeat prescriptions without a consultation can be accessed through our online script service, for a cost of $55 (+ $1.11 bank fee (damn banks)). This service can only be accessed for products that have been previously prescribed by our Doctors within the last 12 months.
Unfortunately our medicinal cannabis consultations and services do not contain a refundable component outside of normal Medicare rebates.
The pathway to access medicinal cannabis is complex (we make it as easy as possible). For this reason we ask that you do not rely on our reception staff to understand and explain the process, and you should ask your prescribing doctor if you need clarification.