FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions

the most common ones

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Eligibility

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Legalities

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Prescriptions

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Concessions

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Eligibility

  • Can I qualify for plant medicine?

    To qualify for plant medicine, you need to meet the following criteria:


    - Have a chronic condition lasting for at least 3 months.- 

    Have attempted other treatments without achieving full relief or encountering adverse effects.

    - Not currently pregnant or with a history of psychosis.

  • Is it possible for me to use Canna Health Clinics services if I live in a remote area?

    Yes.  Canna Health Clinics is an entirely online medical clinic and all our appointments are done via telehealth, meaning your consultation with our nurses and doctors happens in the comfort of your own home. And if you're eligible for plant medicine, your medication will be delivered to your door, wherever you are.

  • Is there any age requirement for a consultation?

    Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to schedule a consultation. 

    According to TGA guidelines, individuals under 18 can only receive plant medicine treatment under the supervision of a specialist. 

    If you are considering plant medicine for your child, we suggest consulting with your regular GP.

  • What steps do I need to take to obtain plant medicine?

    Plant medicine is available by prescription only, necessitating a GP or specialist doctor's authorization. 

    As classified by the TGA, plant medicine falls under the category of "alternative" treatment. 

    To qualify for this medication, you must have a condition persisting for three months or more, which either hasn't responded to conventional treatments or has resulted in undesirable side effects.

Legalities

  • Is the use of plant medicine lawful?

    Yes. Since 2016, plant medicine has been legally prescribed in all states of Australia. Once prescribed, you have the right to use it as you would any other prescribed medication.


    Doctors are authorized to prescribe plant medicine for conditions lasting more than three months, provided the patient has attempted alternative treatments which either proved ineffective or led to adverse effects. 


    To date, Australian doctors have issued over 1 million prescriptions for a range of over 140 conditions.

  • Is it permissible to operate a vehicle while under plant medicine treatment?

    Driving with any presence of plant medicine in your system is prohibited across all states, with the exception of Tasmania. 

    In Tasmania, driving post-plant medicine consumption is permissible provided there is no impairment and a valid prescription is held.


    It's important to note that traces of plant medicine can remain detectable in your system for an extended period, spanning days to weeks following usage. 

    Should you have any concerns, it is advisable to discuss them with your doctor.

  • Is the use of plant medicine permitted in the workplace?

    The permissibility of using plant medicine at work varies depending on your workplace policies. 

    While plant medicine should ideally be treated like any other prescribed medication, certain workplaces may have specific regulations governing its usage. 

    Prior to initiating treatment, it is essential to verify whether your workplace prohibits the use of plant medicine. 

    This proactive approach is crucial, as you may lack recourse if you contravene established rules and face disciplinary action as a result.

  • Is my personal information kept confidential?

    At our medical clinic, we prioritize the confidentiality of patient data, adhering to stringent privacy protocols. 

    Your information is securely stored in databases, and access is restricted to authorized personnel. 

    Any sharing of your data with pharmacies and suppliers is conducted strictly in accordance with legal requirements and solely for the purpose of facilitating your medication.


    It's important to be aware that your healthcare provider has access to your medical history through real-time prescription monitoring. 

    This government-mandated system is implemented to monitor the prescription of Schedule 8 substances, ensuring responsible prescribing practices and preventing overuse of opioids or other controlled substances. 

Prescriptions

  • What is the duration of validity for my prescription?

    Prescriptions generally remain valid for a period of six months and include a specified number of repeats. 

    It's important to note that any remaining repeats after the expiration of your prescription cannot be utilized.

  • How can I obtain a refill for my prescription?

    Once all repeats on a prescription have been exhausted and you require a re-issue, please schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor through the Canna Health Clinics website.

  • What is the purpose of a follow-up consultation?

    Follow-up consultations enable your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure that your treatment plan is yielding the intended results. 

    During these sessions, you'll have the opportunity to address any inquiries you may have and engage in discussions regarding potential adjustments to your prescription or requests for re-issuance.

  • Is it possible to modify my prescription?

    As with any prescribed medication, adjustments to a prescription can only be made through consultation with your doctor. 

    You may schedule a follow-up appointment via the Canna Health Clinics website to discuss any desired changes to your prescription.

  • What is the role of a plant medicine authorized prescriber?

    In Australia, any physician is legally permitted to prescribe plant medicine. 

    However, the majority of prescriptions are typically issued by Authorized Prescribers (APs). 

    These are doctors who have sought approval from the TGA for the special privilege of prescribing plant medicine to patients in specific situations. 

    Authorized Prescribers have the ability to issue prescriptions without the need for individual applications, streamlining administrative processes and facilitating expedited medicine delivery. 

    It's noteworthy that all doctors at Canna Health Clinics hold the designation of Authorized Prescribers.

  • Is plant medicine covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)?

    Currently, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) provides coverage for plant medicine solely for the treatment of seizures associated with the rare childhood epilepsy conditions known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. 

    It's important to note that certain private health insurers may offer coverage for medications not listed under the PBS.

Concessions

  • Does Canna Health Clinics provide benefits for concession card holders?

    Yes. Absolutely. For eligible Concession card holders, concession is available for plant based medication. Please check during your appointment.


  • Which concession cards are accepted at Canna Health Clinics?

    Canna Health Clinics extends concession benefits to individuals holding a Commonwealth-issued Health Card, Veterans Card, or Seniors Health & Pensioner Concession Card.

  • How can I access the concession product range?

    As a registered concession patient, you can inquire about the concession product range during your next appointment with your Canna Health Clinics doctor.

  • How can I receive a concession discount if I haven't become a patient yet?

    Upon your consultation, our nurse will inquire about any applicable concessions. If you possess a Commonwealth-issued Health Card, Veterans Card, or Seniors Health & Pensioner Concession Card, your details will be entered into the system by the nurse. 

    For eligible Concession card holders, concession is available for plant based medication.