Navigating the SAS & Prescriber Pathways

Understanding Medicinal Cannabis Access Pathways in Australia

Medicinal cannabis access in Australia operates within a regulated healthcare framework overseen by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), state and territory health authorities, and registered healthcare practitioners.

For patients researching medicinal cannabis, understanding the available prescribing pathways can help clarify how healthcare professionals assess suitability and manage treatment requests.

The Special Access Scheme (SAS)

The Special Access Scheme allows medical practitioners to apply for access to certain therapeutic goods that are not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

The scheme is administered by the TGA and supports practitioner-led decision making where a healthcare professional believes a particular treatment pathway may be appropriate for an individual patient.

Applications are completed by healthcare practitioners and are assessed according to relevant regulatory requirements.

The Authorised Prescriber Pathway

The Authorised Prescriber pathway enables approved healthcare practitioners to prescribe specific medicinal cannabis products for particular patient groups without submitting individual applications for each patient.

This pathway supports continuity of care while maintaining regulatory oversight and reporting requirements.

Healthcare practitioners operating under this pathway must meet applicable approval and compliance obligations.

Practitioner Assessment Remains Central

Regardless of the pathway used, medicinal cannabis access begins with a clinical assessment.

Healthcare practitioners may consider:

• Medical history

• Current medications

• Previous treatment approaches

• Potential risks and benefits

• Individual healthcare goals

Not every patient will be considered suitable, and treatment decisions remain the responsibility of the treating practitioner.

Telehealth and Healthcare Access

Telehealth consultations have expanded access to healthcare services across Australia, particularly for individuals located in regional and remote communities.

Patients seeking information about consultation processes may also wish to review:

• Telehealth Consultations: Convenient Access to Medicinal Marijuana

• Step-by-Step Guide on How to Book Your Consultation

• The Role of Telehealth in Modern Health Care

Additional information regarding Australian medicinal cannabis regulation is available through Research Cannabis.