What is Medicinal Cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis is a medicine made using the cannabis plant. It typically takes the form of an oil or tablet taken by mouth.
Cannabis contains different cannabinoids (or chemicals). Most medicinal cannabis contains the cannabinoids:
- cannabidiol (CBD)
- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
People with epilepsy are generally treated with CBD-based medicinal cannabis.
Medicinal cannabis should not be confused with recreational marijuana, which is a drug. Recreational marijuana is not manufactured under controlled conditions, so you can’t be sure what might be mixed with it.
What is it used for?
Medicinal cannabis is used to ease the severity and number of seizures. It is used in addition to anti-seizure medications under the guidance of a doctor.
Who is it for?
Research has shown that medicinal cannabis may ease seizures for people with two types of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. While it has not been proven effective for other forms of epilepsy, research into its benefits and side effects is ongoing.
If you are considering medicinal cannabis for yourself or a loved one, the first step is to discuss it with your doctor. Your doctor will determine whether it may be required based on your medical needs.
If medicinal cannabis may benefit the epilepsy condition, your doctor will determine the type and dosage, as well as discuss the potential side effects and how they will monitor for any issues.
How do you access it?
There are two ways to legally access medicinal cannabis for epilepsy in Australia:
- Doctor Prescription: A doctor prescribes medicinal cannabis after considering your or your loved one’s medical needs. For people with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, CBD as an oral liquid can be prescribed by your neurologist through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Afterward, your paediatrician or general practitioner may continue prescribing in consultation with your neurologist.
If you don’t have these two conditions, your doctor may prescribe CBD as a non-PBS item. Access for children with other severe epilepsy conditions is available through specialty paediatric epilepsy clinics. In some cases, your neurologist may obtain the drug via a permit from the Special Access Scheme (SAS).
- Clinical Trials: Clinical trials may provide opportunities to participate in research investigating the use of medicinal cannabis for epilepsy. These trials are led by medical experts and follow strict guidelines to ensure safety. There are potential benefits and risks associated with participating in a clinical trial. Talk to your doctor about possibly joining one.
It is illegal to purchase cannabis that has not been prescribed by your doctor.
How much does it cost?
The cost of medicinal cannabis varies depending on how you access it. Most medicinal cannabis products are not subsidised by the PBS, making them expensive. However, some Australian states subsidise the cost for children with severe epilepsy conditions other than Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. If you need to access medicinal cannabis through a Special Access Scheme (SAS) permit, the cost can be high.
Can I drive after using medicinal cannabis?
The impact of medicinal cannabis on driving depends on the type of medicine. Medicines containing CBD are considered safe for driving, although you may experience drowsiness, increased tiredness, or low blood pressure.
Medicines containing THC can affect your driving for up to eight hours after use. THC increases the risk of a car accident, and driving with THC in your system is illegal, with penalties for testing positive during roadside testing.
Commercial drivers may face different rules, so check with your driving authority. If you plan to drive while using medicinal cannabis, discuss safety with your doctor.
Other Resources:
- Medicinal cannabis: Information for consumers
www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/medicinal-cannabis-hub/medicinal-cannabis-information-consumers - Epilepsy Smart Australia
www.epilepsysmart.org.au
Epilepsy Support
For further assistance and support, please contact Epilepsy Tasmania via:
- Phone: 1300 852 853
- Email: support@epilepsytasmania.org.au
Lived Experience
We recognise all people living with epilepsy and the impact it has on their lives. We acknowledge the strength and resilience shown by those living with epilepsy, who often face challenges in receiving fair treatment.
A Medical Note
This information provides general advice about epilepsy and medicinal cannabis. For specific medical advice, always consult a qualified health professional.