Blogs

Australia to Legalise Medical Cannabis

08 Sep 2016

Janet Harry

by Ms Janet Harry

Stethoscope and cannabis on desk

From November 2016, medicinal cannabis will be legalised in Australia following changes recently announced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Medical cannabis will remain strictly controlled and only available on prescription.  

The result has been hailed by lobbyists as a potential billion dollar industry for Australia, but campaigners have sounded a note of caution. Medical cannabis might still be difficult to obtain as there is currently no national regulator. This may lead to an industry so bound up in red tape that it becomes unworkable.

The decision follows the Federal Parliament’s resolve to support changing the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967  to allow cannabis to be legally grown in Australia if it is for medicinal purposes. 

 

This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.


 

Library

Doctors Let's Talk: Get Yourself A Fricking GP

Get yourself a fricking GP stat! is a conversation with Dr Lam, 2019 RACGP National General Practitioner of the Year, rural GP and GP Anesthetics trainee, that explores the importance of finding your own GP as a Junior Doctor.

Podcasts

25 Oct 2022

Systematic efforts to reduce harms due to prescribed opioids – webinar recording

Efforts are underway across the healthcare system to reduce harms caused by pharmaceutical opioids. This 43-min recording of a live webinar, delivered 11 March 2021, is an opportunity for prescribers to check, and potentially improve, their contribution to these endeavours. Hear from an expert panel about recent opioid reforms by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 

Diplomacy in a hierarchy: tips for approaching a difficult conversation

Have you found yourself wondering how to broach a tough topic of conversation? It can be challenging to effectively navigate a disagreement with a co-worker, especially if they're 'above' you; however, it's vital for positive team dynamics and safe patient care. In this recording of a live webinar you'll have the opportunity to learn from colleagues' experiences around difficult discussions and hear from a diverse panel moderated by Dr Kiely Kim (medico-legal adviser and general practitioner). Recorded live on 2 September 2020.