Finally we have the State approval application form that doctors need to complete to apply for State approval from Queensland Health, as part of the TGA SAS Category B process. If a pharmacist is dispensing the cannabis to the patient or a carer, and not the doctor from his practice, the pharmacist will also need to complete a a separate form. Prescribing medical cannabis in Queensland is now possible because the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulations were changed by the Premier and Cabinet in December to allow lawful access to schedule 9 cannabis via the SAS. The changes also mean that researchers can also use schedule 9 cannabis in research trials. There were also other changes in November to allow prescribing of schedule 8 nabiximols ie: Sativex.
Any registered doctor in QLD can use the SAS. There are no restrictions on age or medical condition. Under the SAS Queensland patients can also be prescribed potentially any cannabis product in any ratio, strength, or formula after discussing the risks and benefits of using cannabis with their doctor, who can develop a medical cannabis treatment plan in consulation with the patient.
For more information on how to lawfully access medical cannabis in Queensland please go to our pages on the Special Access Scheme, SAS Category B, and State approval.
