Medical Cannabis Prescribing Compliance FAQs

Question 1

What TGA paperwork is required to Prescribe Medical Cannabis in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Before prescribing medicinal cannabis, the TGA requires either: Authorised Prescriber (AP or AP EHU) approval. Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B) approval.

Question 2

Which Australian states require an additional approvals? (on top of TGA approvals)

Accepted Answer

Some states and territories require an extra state-based Schedule 8 approval for THC-containing medicinal cannabis on top of TGA approval, but the rules vary. STATE APPROVAL REQUIRED: WA, SA, ACT and TAS generally DO require it for all patients. STATE APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED: NSW, VIC, QLD & NT - typically only require it for specific groups such as drug-dependent patients or patients under 16. NOTE: Always check current requirements with your state health department, or get in touch and we can help clarify.

Question 3

What are the costs associated with these approvals?

Accepted Answer

SAS-B — No cost; individual patient approval, usually instant or within 24 hours. AP EHU — No cost; covers a class of patients for Established History of Use products, no HREC required. AP Full — Covers all medicinal cannabis products, but requires HREC endorsement, which typically costs around $1,500 and takes longer to process. CannaCompliance can support you through any of these pathways — get in touch or book a session.

Question 4

What ongoing compliance obligations do AP's (Authorised Prescribers) have?

Accepted Answer

Authorised Prescribers must submit 6-monthly reports to the TGA of the number of patients treated under each approval (1 January – 30 June and 1 July – 31 December). CannaCompliance offers a dedicated 6-Month AP Reporting Support session for this.

Question 5

Is CannaCompliance affiliated with any medical cannabis product company?

Accepted Answer

No. CannaCompliance is independent Medical Cannabis prescribing compliance support only, with no product ties, sponsorships or supplier referral arrangements. All prescribing decisions remain the practitioner's under their AHPRA responsibility.

State / Territory	Approval TypeSAS-B approvals · AP approvals (Authorised Prescriber) · AP EHU approvals (Established History of Use)	Additional State-Based Approval Required
Queensland New South Wales Victoria Northern Territory	All TGA approval types accepted	None required
Western Australia	All TGA approval types accepted	WA approval required
South Australia	All TGA approval types accepted	SA approval required
Tasmania	All TGA approval types accepted	TAS approval required
Australian Capital Territory	All TGA approval types accepted	ACT approval required

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