Plant Based Medicine Australia

Plant-based medicine is still relatively new in Australia, meaning that you and your doctor may have questions about it.

At Plant Based Medicine Australia (PBMA), our nurses and doctors are highly experienced prescribers of plant-based medicine. Here, we answer some of the most common questions we’re asked, helping you explore this holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Is Plant Based Medicine Legal in Australia?

Yes, it is. In 2016, Australia legalised the use of plant-based medicine on prescription, paving the way for innovative and holistic healthcare solutions.

Who Can Prescribe Plant Based Medicine?

Any doctor can prescribe plant-based medicine, but it requires a bit more effort compared to other medications.

Only a few plant-based medicine drugs are included in Australia’s register of therapeutic goods. Most plant-based medicines are currently classified as ‘unapproved therapeutic goods,’ so doctors need special permission to prescribe them. This can be done in two ways:

* Applying to the [Special Access Scheme](https://www.tga.gov.au/special-access-scheme-sas) for each patient.

* Becoming an [Authorised Prescriber](https://www.tga.gov.au/how-we-regulate/authorised-prescribers-scheme), allowing them to treat patients without individual permissions (PBMA doctors are authorised prescribers).

Can I Purchase Plant Based Medicine Online?

We understand the temptation, but self-diagnosis and online purchases can be problematic.

Your doctor is trained to assess your condition comprehensively, considering all available treatments and recommending what’s best for you, including your lifestyle and job requirements. By diagnosing yourself, you might miss crucial details.

Moreover, importing plant-based medicine yourself is not allowed – customs can seize your package, resulting in a loss of money.

How Does Plant Based Medicine Differ from Street Versions?

There are significant differences. All medicines, including plant-based ones, are highly regulated and subject to strict quality controls to ensure consistency and safety.

Street versions lack these safeguards. They might be contaminated with harmful substances and can vary greatly in strength, leading to unexpected effects.

What Health Issues Can Plant Based Medicine Address?

Plant-based medicine aims to enhance the mainstream care you’re already receiving, addressing your physical, psycho-social, and emotional health needs.

While mainstream treatments have a stronger evidence base, plant-based medicine can alleviate persistent symptoms or side effects from conventional treatments, such as sleep difficulties or nausea.

How Does Plant Based Medicine Work?

Plant-based medicine interacts with a network of chemical signals and cellular receptors throughout your body, regulating vital aspects like appetite, temperature, and alertness.

The active ingredients in plant-based medicine bind to these receptors, helping manage pain and improve sleep.

What Are the Methods of Taking Plant Based Medicine?

Legal plant-based medicine is often taken by mouth in the form of oils, pills, or dried flower products, providing a controlled and safe alternative to smoking.

Understanding CBD and THC in Plant-Based Medicine

CBD and THC are the primary active ingredients in plant-based medicine. THC can cause a high, while CBD does not intoxicate, allowing for therapeutic benefits without impairment.

What Are the Costs Involved with Plant Based Medicine?

Most plant-based medicine products are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so there might be out-of-pocket costs.

If you have private health insurance, your treatment might be partially covered. At PBMA, we discuss potential costs upfront, helping you make an informed financial decision.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Plant Based Medicine?

Like all medicines, plant-based medicine can have side effects. Common ones include:

* Fatigue

* Vertigo

* Nausea

* Fever

* Changes in appetite

* Dry mouth

* Diarrhoea

THC may also cause:

* Convulsions

* Highs and lows

* Depression

* Confusion

* Hallucinations or delusions

* Psychosis

* Cognitive distortions

What Are the Driving Regulations Regarding Plant Based Medicine?

The [Alcohol and Drug Foundation](https://adf.org.au/) states that, if your medicine contains only CBD, you can legally drive as long as your ability to drive is not impaired. It’s important to know your state’s laws.

Driving with any amount of THC in your system is illegal. THC is intoxicating and can impair driving ability. Even if you don’t feel high, you could still be impaired, and THC can remain in your system for an extended period.

How Can Plant Based Medicine Australia Support You?

At PBMA, we are committed to helping you navigate your health journey with compassion and expertise. Our holistic approach ensures that we address your physical, psycho-social, and emotional wellbeing.

Our experienced doctors provide ongoing support, helping you understand how plant-based medicine works and how it can benefit you. We don’t just write prescriptions; we work with you to overcome health challenges.

Please contact us to find out more and begin your journey towards better health with PBMA.

**Disclaimer**

At Plant Based Medicine Australia, we value respect, empowerment, and compassion. While we aim to provide educational and informational content about plant-based medicines, we acknowledge that medicinal cannabis may not be suitable for everyone. Medicinal cannabis affects individuals differently, with factors such as size, weight, health, dosage, tolerance, and age playing a role in its effectiveness and potential side effects.

We are not promoting the use of medicinal cannabis. It is important to understand that medicinal cannabis might not work for you, and you might experience side effects. The information provided on our site is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. For medical advice, please consult one of our expert nurses or doctors.

In Australia, medicinal cannabis is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). For more details about cannabis as a scheduled drug, please refer to their website.