Category Archives: Hash
Medicinal Cannabis at Auscare Store
Sydney’s Trusted Licensed Dispensary
What is Medicinal Cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis describes a range of cannabis preparations intended for therapeutic use under medical supervision . These products are derived from the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) and contain active compounds called cannabinoids, with the two main components being:
Component Description
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) The psychoactive component responsible for some medicinal effects including pain relief, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation
CBD (cannabidiol) Non-psychoactive compound that may help with seizures, pain, anxiety, and inflammation
Medicinal cannabis can come in many different forms, including oil, flower, capsules, sprays, and creams .
Legal Status in Australia
Federal Regulation
Medicinal cannabis is legal in Australia only with a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner . The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) oversees access through two primary pathways:
Special Access Scheme (SAS) – For individual patients on a case-by-case basis
Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme – For practitioners prescribing to specific patient groups
Most medicinal cannabis products in Australia are unapproved therapeutic goods, meaning they have not undergone full TGA pre-market assessment. However, they can be legally accessed through these approved pathways .
Classification by Schedule
In Australia, medicines are classified under the Poisons Standard based on risk and potential for harm :
Product Type THC Content Schedule Requirements
Low-dose CBD products <1% THC, ≥98% CBD Schedule 3 Pharmacist-only
CBD-only products ≥98% CBD Schedule 4 Prescription-only
All other medicinal cannabis Contains THC Schedule 8 Controlled drug, stricter controls
New South Wales Requirements
In New South Wales, cannabis is considered a prohibited drug under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) for recreational use . However, medicinal cannabis is legal when:
Prescribed by a registered medical practitioner
Approved by the TGA through SAS or AP pathways
Dispensed through a licensed pharmacy
Prescribing requirements in NSW:
Medical practitioners must obtain approval from both the TGA and NSW Health when prescribing unregistered medicinal cannabis
An approval is only required from the NSW Ministry of Health if the patient is drug-dependent
Prescribers should check SafeScript NSW to determine whether the patient is being supplied any other Schedule 8 medicine
About Auscare Store Sydney
Auscare Store is a licensed medicinal cannabis dispensary serving eligible patients in Sydney, NSW. We operate in full compliance with:
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulations
NSW Health pharmacy guidelines
Poisons Standard scheduling requirements
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
Our Role
We Can:
Dispense prescribed medicinal cannabis to eligible patients Supply cannabis without a valid prescription
Provide educational information about medicinal cannabis Recommend or prescribe products
Support your wellness journey with professional guidance Treat medical conditions directly
Collaborate with your healthcare team Replace your doctor’s medical advice
What We Dispense
Medicinal cannabis products available by prescription include:
Oils and tinctures – CBD, THC, or balanced formulations
Capsules – Precise dosing options
Dried flower – For vaporisation only (smoking is not supported by the TGA)
Oral sprays – Fast absorption
Topicals – Creams and balms for localised relief
Important: Smoking cannabis is harmful and is not supported by the TGA for medicinal purposes . Authorised flower products are intended for vaporisation only.
How Patients Access Medicinal Cannabis
Step 1: Consult a Doctor
Speak with your GP or a specialist cannabis clinic about your condition. Your doctor will assess whether medicinal cannabis is clinically appropriate based on:
Medical history and family health history
Current medications
Any problems with drug dependence or substance abuse
Step 2: TGA Approval
Your doctor applies through:
Special Access Scheme (SAS-B) – Individual patient approval, typically 24-48 hours
Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme – For ongoing treatment of specific patient groups
Step 3: State Approval (if required)
In NSW, additional approval may be required, particularly for drug-dependent patients .
Step 4: Prescription Issued
Once approved, your doctor provides a valid prescription.
Step 5: Dispensed at Auscare Store
Bring your prescription to our Sydney dispensary. We will:
Verify your prescription and approvals
Dispense the prescribed product
Provide patient education on proper use and storage
Answer any questions you may have
Conditions Where Medicinal Cannabis May Be Considered
The scientific evidence base is limited but suggests medicinal cannabis may be suitable for :
Condition Evidence
Chronic pain Effective at relieving chronic pain, particularly neuropathic (nerve) pain
Chemotherapy side effects Effective against nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
Multiple sclerosis May improve symptoms of spasticity
Epilepsy CBD shown to reduce seizures in severe childhood epilepsy syndromes
Anxiety and PTSD Some evidence supporting use, but research is still in early stages
Note: There is no evidence that medicinal cannabis is an effective treatment for cancer . Prescribers should not defer standard cancer treatment in favour of using medicinal cannabis.
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Side Effects
Like all prescription medicines, medicinal cannabis products can have side effects :
Common Side Effects THC-Specific Effects
Fatigue and sedation Feeling “high” or dissatisfaction
Vertigo and dizziness Depression and confusion
Nausea and vomiting Hallucinations and paranoid delusions
Decreased or increased appetite Psychosis and cognitive distortion
Dry mouth and diarrhoea Convulsions (at high doses)
Drug Interactions
Medicinal cannabis can affect the levels or effects of:
Antiepileptics
Benzodiazepines
Methadone
Warfarin
Caution is required and appropriate drug monitoring is recommended.
Contraindications
Experts recommend against the use of medicinal cannabis in:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Children (except for approved CBD products for rare severe childhood epilepsies)
People at risk of psychosis
Driving and Medicinal Cannabis
Important: In all Australian states and territories except Tasmania, it is unlawful to drive with any detectable THC in your system even if prescribed for medicinal purposes .
In NSW, it is an offence under section 111 of the Road Transport Act 2013 to have any detectable amount of THC in saliva, blood, or urine while driving
This is an absolute liability offense no medical defense exists
Penalties include fines up to $2,200, automatic licence disqualification (minimum 6 months), and a criminal conviction
Victoria allows magistrates to exercise discretion when THC is prescribed, but it remains unlawful . Tasmania is the only state where prescribed THC does not constitute an offence.
We strongly advise patients to:
Not drive if taking THC-containing products
Discuss driving with your doctor before starting treatment
Consider alternative transport options
📍 Visit Auscare Store Sydney
