Most medicinal cannabis in Australia isn't officially approved
Most medicinal cannabis sold by Australian clinics isn't officially registered. It also hasn't been safety-tested.
Alex got a cannabis prescription online easily. Alex says it helps her anxiety and sleep.
Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration has officially registered only two cannabis medicines. Other products prescribed through online clinics aren't on the official register.
They haven't been tested by the TGA either. Companies have marketed products as "TGA-approved" when they are not.
One online clinic said its wording was wrong and removed the claim after SBS contacted it. The evidence for using cannabis to treat anxiety, insomnia and depression remains limited, the Australian Medical Association says.
Health regulator Ahpra has put the industry "on notice". It is concerned some practitioners are putting profits over patient safety.
- 2
- TGA-registered cannabis medicines
- 10
- Years since legalisation
Why it mattersYou could be taking a medicine marketed as official that has never been safety-tested. Doctors can legally prescribe it anyway.
AustraliaAustralian patients buying medicinal cannabis online may not realise most products aren't registered or verified by health authorities, despite marketing suggesting otherwise.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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