Interest in medical cannabis is growing across Australia, and Melbourne is at the centre of this change. Since Victoria became the first state to legalise access in 2016, thousands of patients have turned to cannabis-based medicines for relief from chronic pain, epilepsy, and other serious conditions. Yet while the law has shifted, patients in Melbourne continue to face challenges in navigating cost, access, and stigma.
According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), prescriptions for medicinal cannabis have surged in recent years, with more than 300,000 approvals issued nationally since 2016. Victoria remains a key hub, both as a centre of research and as a testing ground for policies that other states often follow.
The Legal Framework in Victoria
Medical cannabis in Victoria can only be prescribed by a doctor who believes it is clinically appropriate. Patients must either see an Authorised Prescriber or have their doctor apply through the Special Access Scheme (SAS-B). This system allows doctors to seek quick approval from the TGA – often within 48 hours – for conditions that may respond to cannabis treatments.
The law is clear that recreational cannabis remains illegal in Victoria, and patients are required to keep their prescriptions and packaging with them to demonstrate that their use is medical. Cannabis products can include oils, capsules, dried flower, and sprays, with prescriptions tailored to the condition being treated.
Access and Cost Realities
Despite the legal pathway, access is not simple. Patients often face high out-of-pocket costs because medicinal cannabis is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). According to Health Victoria’s FAQ, prescriptions can range from AUD 50 per week for low-dose oil treatments to more than AUD 1,000 per week for high-dose or imported products. The average patient spends between AUD 300 and AUD 500 monthly, a significant expense for people with chronic illnesses.
Unlike other medications, cannabis is also not stocked in every pharmacy. Instead, patients must rely on specialised pharmacies that hold the necessary licences. Melbourne has seen a steady rise in these providers, and telehealth services now allow many patients to access prescribers without long waiting lists.
Safe Use and Driving Considerations
One of the most complex areas of the law is driving. In Victoria, it is illegal to drive with any level of THC in the system, even if a patient is legally prescribed. This zero-tolerance rule has been criticised by patient advocacy groups, who argue it penalises people who are not impaired but use prescribed cannabis.
Reforms have begun, with new provisions allowing patients to present evidence of their prescription in court instead of facing an automatic suspension. However, advocacy groups like Drive Change continue to call for broader reform to bring cannabis laws in line with prescription rules for other impairing medicines such as opioids.
Clinical Research and Melbourne’s Role
Melbourne is home to some of Australia’s most active medical cannabis research. Clinical trials at Monash University, the University of Melbourne, and Austin Health are investigating uses ranging from childhood epilepsy to anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The city’s hospitals and biotech companies are also at the forefront of developing cannabinoid medicines, with Victoria’s Office of Medicinal Cannabis overseeing regulatory compliance and research partnerships. Patients are sometimes recruited into these trials through the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), offering access to new therapies under medical supervision.
Shopping for Cannabis Seeds and Strains
Outside the clinical system, cannabis continues to be examined through its genetics and cultivation. Breeding different strains – whether CBD-rich or THC-dominant – is central to understanding how the plant’s compounds affect patients. International providers such as Herbies Seeds highlight the diversity of available cannabis seeds, underscoring the link between traditional plant breeding and modern medical research. While these seeds are not part of Melbourne’s prescription supply, they illustrate how global cultivation knowledge informs the science that underpins today’s medicinal products.
Clinics and Patient Pathways
Melbourne has become a hub for medicinal cannabis clinics, some operating in person and others via telehealth. Initial consultations often cost between AUD 100 and AUD 300, depending on whether a referral is required. Once approved, patients can collect their medication from licensed pharmacies across the city.
Organisations like Healthdirect provide official patient guidance, while local advocacy groups such as United in Compassion campaign for fairer access and broader awareness. Despite progress, stigma still lingers, and some patients report reluctance from GPs to discuss cannabis openly.
Market Growth and Regulation
Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry is now valued at close to AUD 1 billion annually, with projections showing strong growth in the next decade. Analysts point to rising patient numbers and a shift toward domestic cultivation reducing reliance on imports. Yet The Australian has reported concerns about inconsistent prescribing practices, particularly with high-THC products prescribed via telehealth. Regulators continue to adjust policy in response, balancing patient access with public health.
Shifting Community Attitudes
Public opinion in Melbourne has softened significantly over the past decade. What was once controversial is now often viewed as a legitimate medical option. A 2022 national survey found that nearly 80 per cent of Australians support access to medicinal cannabis when recommended by a doctor (ABC News). For many families, especially those dealing with chronic or terminal illness, cannabis has provided relief where conventional medicines have failed.
A More Grounded Perspective
Medical cannabis in Melbourne is not a silver bullet, nor is it universally accessible. Patients face hurdles of cost, legal uncertainty, and stigma. Yet the city has established itself as both a research hub and a centre of patient advocacy, shaping the future of medicinal cannabis across Victoria and beyond.
For patients considering this pathway, the key is to seek advice from qualified clinicians, understand the regulatory framework, and weigh both benefits and risks. As research deepens and access expands, Melbourne’s role is likely to remain central in Australia’s evolving cannabis story – one defined as much by science and policy as by the lived experiences of patients.
