Find cutting edge cancer clinical trials near you using the new Victorian Cancer Trials Link.

Search now

Victorian Medicinal Cannabis Scheme

The Access to Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2015 (the Bill) for the legalisation of medicinal cannabis for exceptional circumstances will very likely passed be in March 2016. The Bill paves the way for enabling eligible patients to access medicinal cannabis lawfully. 

The Bill proposes a system for the regulation, cultivation, production and dispensing of medicinal cannabis in Victoria, as well as patient eligibility and authorisation

  • Specialist medical practitioners will be able to apply for authorisation to issue a medicinal cannabis authorisation for eligible patients (with conditions prescribed by the legislation). Applications must include details of each registered medical practitioner (other than the applicant) whom the specialist requests be authorised to issue a medicinal cannabis authorisation to the eligible patient.

  • Any registered medical practitioner will be able to apply for authorisation to issue a medicinal cannabis authorisation to other patients in exceptional circumstances (may be further defined in future regulations)

  • The Bill will establish an Office for Medicinal Cannabis within the Department of Health and Human Services and the appointment of an Independent Medical Advisory Council

  • Other eligible patient groups will be able to access commercially produced products in future (most likely from 2018), most likely including cancer patients

We anticipate that there will opportunity for the cancer clinical sector to provide input into the regulations and guidelines connected to the scheme, and will keep you posted about any such opportunities.

Talking bubbles icon

Questions about cancer?

Call or email our experienced cancer nurses for information and support.

Contact a cancer nurse