Who Is Eligible for a Medicinal Cannabis Prescription in Australia?

Medicinal cannabis is not prescribed for every condition — and not every patient with an eligible condition will automatically qualify. Understanding how prescribing decisions are made helps you approach a consultation with realistic expectations.

There Is No Fixed "Approved Conditions" List

Unlike some countries, Australia does not operate a fixed approved-conditions registry. Under the Special Access Scheme (SAS-B) and the Authorised Prescriber framework, a doctor can prescribe medicinal cannabis for any condition they judge appropriate — provided they can demonstrate clinical justification. This means the prescribing decision rests with your doctor, not an administrative list.

Conditions Commonly Treated

Based on published prescribing data from the TGA, the most commonly prescribed indications in Australia include:

• Chronic non-cancer pain (the largest category by volume)
• Anxiety disorders
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Nausea and vomiting (including chemotherapy-induced)
• Epilepsy (particularly treatment-resistant forms)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Multiple sclerosis-related spasticity
• Palliative care symptom management
• Endometriosis-related pain
• Inflammatory conditions

What Doctors Look For

Before prescribing, your doctor will typically want to confirm that your condition is genuine and documented, that you have tried other appropriate treatments, and that medicinal cannabis is a clinically reasonable next step. They will also screen for contraindications — for example, a personal or family history of psychosis, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or certain medication interactions.

The Role of Your Medical History

Having existing records — referral letters, specialist reports, imaging, previous prescription history — will help your doctor assess your case more efficiently. HiCare doctors are experienced in reviewing complex patient histories and will guide you on what to bring to your appointment.