Easier access to medicinal cannabis in NSW

New South Wales has partnered with the Federal Government to create a single application process for medicinal cannabis, which means doctors are likely to get approval within 36 hours rather than waiting months for an outcome.

Previously, doctors wanting approval to prescribe the medicinal cannabis had to apply through both the NSW Government and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme, with a possibility of different outcomes from each application.

Australia's peak medical cannabis body the Medicinal Cannabis Council (MCC) said the NSW Government's decision to reduce red tape will remove a huge hurdle for patients trying to access the drug.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that removal of duplication of regulatory requirements was a positive step, and has encouraged other jurisdictions to follow NSW’s lead.

More education around prescribing for GPs and consumer guidelines for use of medicinal cannabis, along with continued research into its effectiveness, will be helpful.