Medical Cannabis Appointment - What to expect.
- Tele Rx Support
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Remember: This post does not substitute professional medical advice; the doctor will determine if medical cannabis is safe and suitable for your condition.
An initial medical cannabis appointment typically lasts 15–30 minutes and involves the following steps:
1. Review of Medical History
The medical cannabis appointment starts with the doctor conducting a detailed review of your medical history.
You will discuss previous treatments and their effectiveness in managing your symptoms.
Prepare a list of past medications you've tried, noting any side effects experienced, to share with the doctor.
2. Eligibility Assessment
To qualify for medical cannabis, you must meet the following criteria:
Diagnosed with a chronic medical condition
Trialled first-line treatment options for this chronic condition. These treatment options may include medication, physiotherapy, chiropractic, psychology
Not have any contraindications (things that make this treatment unsuitable) to using medical cannabis. See below for more information
Medical cannabis can’t be used as a first-line treatment, but it doesn't have to be a last-resort option. The doctor will determine your eligibility based on your medical history. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee a prescription.
3. Contraindications and Drug Interactions
The doctor will assess whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you by reviewing any contraindications or potential drug interactions.
Cases where cannabis use may not be suitable
History of hypersensitivity to cannabinoids
Psychosis, schizophrenia, substance abuse issues
Severe cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal, or liver disease
Pregnancy
Special considerations:
Cannabis use should be avoided in women of childbearing age without reliable contraception, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.
Medication Interactions:
Medical cannabis can interact with other medications, as CBD may inhibit liver enzymes (e.g., CYP450), potentially altering the effects of other drugs.
4. Product Selection
There are over 200 medical cannabis products legally available in Australia, and the doctor will recommend the most appropriate product for your condition. Products generally fall into three categories:
Isolate: CBD-only
Broad Spectrum: CBD + all other cannabinoids (there are over 100), except for THC
Full Spectrum: Containing all cannabinoids, including THC
Key considerations:
Flower (i.e. bud) products provide quicker relief but have shorter effects. Flower must be vaporised and not smoked
Oils, gummies and capsules have a slower onset (1–2 hours) but offer longer-lasting relief.
Some patients may benefit from a combination of medications.
You may need to trial different products to determine the best formulation and dosage for your needs. Costs typically range from $100–$150 per bottle for oils and around $100 - $140 for 10 grams of flower. Our doctors are very considerate of cost and will work within your budget.
5. Treatment Plan
Once a product is chosen, the doctor will explain the titration (dose adjustment) process:
Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing to the minimum effective dose, where symptoms are managed with minimal side effects.
The doctor will provide you with instructions explaining how to change your dose, if needed.
It is recommended that patients schedule a follow-up medical cannabis appointment in about 4 weeks to review progress, side effects, or dosage adjustments.
6. TGA Approval Process
Some doctors who prescribe medical cannabis may have to make an application to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for approval to prescribe this treatment to you. This process can take 1-5 days.
Our doctors are Authorised Prescribers, meaning that can prescribe instantly to their patients and avoid delays in starting treatment.
Next Steps
Ready to book your medical cannabis appointment? Click here to book your initial consultation with one of our medical cannabis doctors.