The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and National Boards have published new ‘guidance’ relating to the prescription of medicinal cannabis products on Ahpra’s website.[1] There is also a resource hub available on Ahpra’s website that contains links to other guidance documents from State and Federal health authorities and specialist medical colleges.[2]
Interestingly, the guidance does not appear to have been created and endorsed as a guideline under section 39 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (as the recently updated ‘Guidelines for registered health practitioners who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures’ were, for example). However, we anticipate the National Boards will reference this guidance when assessing and making decisions about notifications going forward, and will expect health practitioners who work in the medicinal cannabis space to practice in accordance with the guidance.
The medicinal cannabis industry is booming and Australians spent around $400 million on medicinal cannabis in the first half of 2024.[3] The proliferation of online, telehealth business models who assist patients primarily with medicinal cannabis treatment has shown to be convenient for patients and easily accessible. However, authorities have expressed concerns regarding the number of practitioners working with a limited focus, such as medicinal cannabis or weight loss, and that commercial considerations may be prioritised over the provision of quality care in this practice setting.[4]
Most medicinal cannabis products prescribed in Australia are unapproved products, meaning they have not been assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure their quality, safety or efficacy. The new guidance outlines the importance of explaining this to patients as part of the informed consent process, as well as other risks associated with medicinal cannabis use and alternative treatment options. Health practitioners are also expected to report adverse reactions to medicinal cannabis products reported by their patients to the TGA’s Adverse Event Reporting System.
The guidance provides medicinal cannabis should only be prescribed after a proper assessment, thorough investigation of symptoms and communication with a patient’s other treating health practitioners. The guidance claims there is little evidence to support the use of medicinal cannabis to treat health conditions other than “certain childhood epilepsies, muscle spasms and pain symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, some neuropathic pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer”. It also emphasises that medicinal cannabis is not intended to be a first line treatment option and many medicinal cannabis products are Schedule 8 medications – therefore should be treated with the same care and diligence as any other Schedule 8 medication.
Ahpra advised ABC News in July 2025 that there was a ‘crackdown’ on the medicinal cannabis industry, with action taken against 50 health practitioners and 67 more under investigation.[5] Ahpra’s new CEO Mr Justin Untersteiner said the organisation would be “knocking on the door” of practitioners who do not meet their requirements. We have observed that Ahpra works with medicines and poisons authorities in each State and Territory to identify high volume medicinal cannabis prescribers and will take action if they are concerned about inappropriate prescribing. It is important that practitioners who prescribe medicinal cannabis products consider the latest guidance from Ahpra and the National Boards and review their practice to ensure it is aligned with the expectations of the regulator.
[1] https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Medicinal-cannabis-prescribing.aspx
[2] https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Medicinal-cannabis-prescribing/FAQ.aspx#
[3] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-28/medical-cannabis-spending-prescriptions-penington-institute/104651782
[4] https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/News/2024-06-03-joint-statement-prescribing-and-dispensing.aspx
[5] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-09/medicinal-cannabis-regulations-ahpra-/105506828
