FAQ

Medical cannabis has been legal in Australia since March 2017. While it’s still heavily regulated, cannabis may be prescribed by doctors when other treatments have failed to provide relief or have caused negative side-effects.

Speak with one of our clinic’s staff to learn more at 1300 011 232 or email us at info@nectartek.com.au.

Medicinal cannabis is a medication, and like all medications it can have side effects.

Depending on the product and the active ingredients (CBD, THC, or a combination) side effects can vary greatly between people.

CBD is generally without serious side effects.

THC on the other hand can cause:

Sedation, anxiety, dizziness, appetite simulation, and impairments in driving and cognitive function. In rare occasions THC can cause psychosis and hallucinations.

Our doctors are very aware of the side-effects of THC and are careful to prescribe low doses of THC at the start of treatment.

We also advise against smoking or vaping cannabis, as this poses risks to lung health.
Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Driving under the influence of THC is illegal in Australia. Your suitability to drive depends on the type of treatment you have been prescribed, and this should be discussed with your doctor.

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

Smoking cannabis is not the recommended method of administration. Although inhalation brings on the quickest onset of effects we recommend vaporizing over smoking.

There are also many other forms of cannabis-based medicines such as oils, capsules, creams, etc.

Please discuss with your doctor to see which medication is right for you.

CBD products can take up to 6 weeks for it have optimal effect.

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 access your medication through a pharmacy.

Please speak to your doctor for personalised advice.

TGA approval takes approximately 1-2 business days but sometimes up to 5 depending on state and the complexity of the conditions being applied for.

Medical cannabis is currently being used to treat several different symptoms. Any chronic condition lasting longer than 3 months may be eligible if traditional medications have failed to provide relief. The TGA has provided data on conditions that have been approved in the past.
The most common being:
Chronic pain,
Neuropathic pain,
Cancer pain,
Anxiety/Depression,
PTSD,
Fibromyalgia,
Arthritis,
Migraine,
Sleep disorders,
Epilepsy/Seizure Management,
Spasticity from neurological conditions,
and Autism symptoms.

Speak to your doctor or give us a call to discuss further.

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

Medical cannabis products are not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Products typically cost $4-8 per day but can vary greatly depending on the dosage and type of product prescribed.

An initial consultation with our doctors (including all TGA approvals) costs $129 and follow consultations are $69.

As medical cannabis is unapproved therapeutic good, medical practitioners are required to submit applications to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The consultation fee covers the doctor’s time for the consultation, a treatment plan tailored to your condition, submitting relevant applications, writing the prescription, and sending it to the relevant pharmacy.