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How to Access Medicinal Cannabis in Western Australia
Over 130 medical conditions are now eligible for cannabis prescription, but many patients in Western Australia still don’t know how to access it. In this blog we’ll reveal some of the ways eligible patients can access medical cannabis in Western Australia using Special Access Scheme (SAS) and Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme. Stick around to learn about how you can access medical cannabis in Western Australia.
Eligibility Requirements For Accessing Medical Marijuana in WA
- All cannabis products in Western Australia are only available by prescription. Access is limited to patients with a diagnosed medical condition, where a registered health practitioner determines that medicinal cannabis is clinically appropriate and other treatment options have been considered.
- In Western Australia, to be prescribed medicinal cannabis, the patient must:
- Provide valid proof of identity
- Have their condition assessed by a qualified health practitioner
- Have their prescribing history reviewed in ScriptCheckWA, Western Australia’s real-time prescription monitoring system (for Schedule 8 products)
- Have all suitable therapeutic options considered, including standard and non-pharmacological treatments
- Receive a prescription from a registered prescriber who is authorised to prescribe medicinal cannabis under the Special Access Scheme (SAS Category B) or the Authorised Prescriber Scheme
Who Can Prescribe Western Australian Medicinal Cannabis?
In Western Australia, qualified medical practitioners can prescribe medicinal cannabis. As of mid-2025, endorsed nurse practitioners will also be able to prescribe medical cannabis if they have the required training.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates all cannabis medicines in Australia. Only a small number of cannabis-based medications, such as Sativex® or Epidyolex®, are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). These can be prescribed like any standard medication without additional approvals, as long as they are clinically appropriate for the patient.
However, most cannabis products in WA are not listed on the ARTG. These include oils, capsules, dried flower, and other formulations. For these products, prescribers must apply through one of two TGA pathways:
- Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B) – for individual patient approvals
- Authorised Prescriber Scheme (AP) – for ongoing prescribing to specific patient groups
Special Considerations in WA
In Western Australia, additional approvals from the Department of Health are required when prescribing Schedule 8 (THC-containing) medicinal cannabis to patients who are:
- Under 18 years of age
- Known to have a history of drug dependence
- Being prescribed high daily doses of THC (over 100 mg per day)
For non-ARTG cannabis products, registered health practitioners familiar with cannabis-based treatments can prescribe any cannabis products through two access pathways. Most medicinal cannabis Western Australia region falls under this category, making access pathways popular among patients.
What Are The Access Pathways And How Do They Work?
The two regulatory pathways, the Special Access Scheme (SAS) and the Authorised Prescriber (AP) help protect public health by implementing regulatory guidelines for both patients and products.
For products that are not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), the TGA allows access only if they meet the minimum quality requirements set out in Therapeutic Goods Order No. 93 (TGO 93). By using the SAS or AP pathways, patients receive medical cannabis under professional supervision, along with guidance and education to support safe and effective use.
So, how do the two access pathways work for patients?
The Special Access Scheme (SAS) pathway provides case-specific or one-time access to cannabis. Patients can get a prescription from any registered medical practitioner, as long as there’s a clinical justification for the prescription request. Once confirmed, patients must wait for the TGA approval, which usually takes 1-2 business days.
The Authorised Prescriber (AP) pathway allows for easier, long-term access to medical cannabis and is often the preferred option for patients with an ongoing medical condition. Unlike the Special Access Scheme (SAS), where any medical practitioner can apply for individual patient approvals, the AP pathway requires the prescriber to be officially approved or endorsed. Although the approval process for AP takes longer, it means the prescriber doesn’t need to reapply each time the patient needs a prescription or refill. Instead, the practitioner submits a report to the TGA every six months, summarizing how many patients were treated.
For both the SAS and AP pathways, general practitioners must follow all regulatory requirements. They must:
- Obtain informed consent from the patient
- Report any side effects to the TGA and the product sponsor or distributor
Patients can also access medicinal cannabis by joining clinical trials. Although this option isn’t suitable for everyone, researchers are launching more studies to explore the safety and effectiveness of cannabis. These trials are helping to meet growing demand in Western Australia.
Where Do You Buy Medical Marijuana in Western Australia?
Patients can obtain cannabis products prescribed under AP and SAS pathways through several regulated channels.
- Licensed pharmacies: Just like ARTG products, medical cannabis prescriptions from the access pathways are also available in pharmacies in Western Australia. Certain products are available only in certain pharmacies. It’s best to check availability with the pharmacy in advance.
- Medical Cannabis Dispensaries: There are specialised medical cannabis dispensaries (sometimes part of pharmacies or local producers) that legally dispense cannabis-based products under prescription . They operate under the same legal framework as pharmacies but offer additional patient support and education.
- Telehealth Clinics: Some clinics offer e-prescriptions and delivery right to your doorstep. A qualified practitioner conducts a detailed interview, assesses your eligibility, and discusses a personalized treatment plan through a call.
Challenges and Recent Developments For WA Medicinal Cannabis in 2025
New Role for Australian Nurses: In December 2024, Health Ministers approved a new prescriber arrangement that allowed qualified and registered nurses with an endorsement to prescribe scheduled medicines (including cannabis products). Nurses will need to meet the requirements and get acquainted with the rules set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before implementation in mid-2025.
Cannabis Advocates Take a Seats at The Legislative Council: The Legalise Cannabis Party WA secured over 164,000 votes in the WA elections in May 2025, earning them two seats for the South-West Region. Following them were the Greens, who aim to push and make their bill to legalize recreational cannabis into law. Both parties aim to initiate reforms that will cover the personal, medical, and industrial uses of cannabis.
Medicinal Cannabis in Western Australia is in Full Swing: Australia has witnessed a steady year-by-year increase in the production and importation of cannabis products. Stakeholders are exploring the expansion of domestic cultivation, which can lower costs for patients while boosting yields and opportunities for local growers.
Together, these developments herald a shift in the medicinal cannabis Western Australia market. However, progress aside, they also highlight the need for clear and stringent medical marijuana regulations in Australia. Quickly developing clear regulations can ensure patients and prescribers navigate the system seamlessly, reducing logistical setbacks, knowledge gaps, and reliance on illicit markets.
Broadly speaking, Australia medicinal marijuana usage can become more accessible if states like Western Australia implement clear and impartial regulations. It’s not just for patients — cultivators, manufacturers, and prescribers alike, it’s vital to understand how to get prescribed cannabinoids following updated medical cannabis laws. So, to avoid the risks of noncompliance, it’s best to seek professional guidance on the current medical marijuana regulations in Australia.
Why Work With CannDelta?
CannDelta has a team of experts who provide professional guidance for those looking to navigate the cannabis market in WA. CannDelta’s industry experience and extensive portfolio across the world can provide invaluable support when navigating regulatory complexities. Contact CannDelta and book a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you smoke medical marijuana in Australia in public?
No. In Australia, people should consume all medicinal cannabis, including flowers, pre-rolls, and edibles, in private spaces. Aside from safe cannabis consumption, this also falls under public smoking laws, which likely differ by state and territory. To avoid any offense, it’s best to get acquainted with regulations regarding cannabis use and smoking.
How much is medical marijuana in Australia?
Medical marijuana usually costs between $100 and $400 per month, depending on the type of product, how strong it is, and how often you need to use it. Other costs can include doctor consultation fees and delivery charges.
It’s important to know that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) does not cover the cost of medical cannabis.
How do I get prescribed medical weed?
To get medical cannabis in Australia, you’ll need to see a qualified healthcare practitioner. This can be a registered doctor or, in some cases, a nurse practitioner. They will assess your medical condition, treatment history, and whether other options have been tried.
If they determine that cannabis is appropriate, they will apply to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) through one of two access pathways:
- Special Access Scheme (SAS)
- Authorised Prescriber (AP)
Once approved, you can fill your prescription at a licensed pharmacy, through a medical cannabis clinic, or via telehealth services that offer delivery.
