Rise Dispensary provides the most diverse and high-quality medicinal cannabis products, setting the bar for efficacy, quality, and safety. We believe it is vital that every patient access thorough, scientifically backed information about the natural plant-based treatments we prescribe. If you need more information or have questions that have not been answered below, please contact our team.
* Please note that Rise Dispensary provides this information for educational purposes only. It does not contain all available information and should not be used to make decisions or take action. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.
The term ‘medicinal cannabis products’ refers to a variety of TGA sanctioned, quality-assured cannabis preparations intended for human therapeutic use. These may take the form of capsules, oils, flowers, and other plant extracts. These products are different to illegal ‘recreational cannabis’, which is typically smoked or consumed orally.
The marijuana plant contains over 100 chemicals known as cannabinoids. Individual cannabinoids have different effects on your body. Medical cannabis regulates the presence and number of specific cannabinoids. The cannabinoids in pharmaceutical cannabis maximise therapeutic benefits while minimising side effects. In general, ‘recreational cannabis’ cannabinoid contents are not known to the buyer or seller. While the dose and strength of the components of medical cannabis can be controlled and standardised, making it safer for patients to use.
Yes, it is for eligible patients. Access to medical cannabis products in Australia and many other countries is only possible with the assistance of an approved provider. In 2016, legislation was changed to allow GPs to prescribe through the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s special access schemes (SAS) or authorised prescriber scheme. Rise Dispensary doctors are A+ authorised prescribers.
The TGA has approved special access scheme applications that include, but are not limited to, the following conditions:
- Pain conditions such as chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and cancer pain
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep disorders, including insomnia
- Nausea
- Spasticity caused by neurological conditions
- Epilepsy
- Palliative care
Many more conditions, in addition to those listed above, have been approved. There are no restrictions on the medical conditions for which your doctor may apply for access to medicinal cannabis products. However, you should first consult with your primary care physician or a specialist about your condition. Medicinal cannabis is not considered a “first line” treatment for any health condition. It is only considered a treatment if standard approved treatments have failed to be effective.
To get started, answer a few simple questions in our safe, anonymous online eligibility checker.
Our doctors have undergone extensive study and have experience with the conditions and medicines involved. They have been pre-screened and approved by the TGA as authorised prescribers with A+ ratings. The authorised prescriber scheme allows authorised medical practitioners to supply a specific class of patients with a medical condition. An authorised prescriber may supply the product directly to specific patients under their immediate care without requiring separate SAS approval for each patient.
Every case is handled individually. The TGA’s current approval timeline is 48 hours, however, if you see one of our senior practitioners, you may be approved and prescribed on your first visit to Rise Dispensary.
Rise Dispensary has worked hard to ensure ease of access and availability for our patients. Your medicine is available through our on-site pharmacy upon prescription.
Our products’ prices vary depending on their form. Pricing information is available from your doctor or pharmacist. Pricing will be determined by your condition because dosage varies greatly. Depending on what you use and how much you need, your medicine could cost anywhere from $100 to $1000 per month. Because everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different, some patients require lower doses than others with the same condition.
If you have been prescribed medicinal cannabis, always take the dose as directed. There are several ways to consume medicinal cannabis products:
Sprays
When sprayed into the mouth or under the tongue, medicinal cannabis can take effect between 10 and 90 minutes, with the effects peaking after 2-4 hours. Using a spray can make it easier to get the right dose of medicine.
Oils
When taken as oils, liquid capsules, or tablets, medicinal cannabis effects usually begin within 30-90 minutes and peak between 2-4 hours. The effects may last up to 24 hours. For patients who would benefit from long-term relief, cannabis medicine should be swallowed. To avoid accidental overdose, wait at least 3 hours after taking a cannabis medicine before taking another dose.
Flowers
Vaporising heats the cannabis without burning it, releasing cannabinoids and other chemicals in the form of a vapour, which is then inhaled. The effects can begin as soon as 90 seconds and are typically strongest after 15-30 minutes. Vaporising is best for immediate, short-term relief.
Our doctors assess this on a case-by-case basis and work closely with you to choose the ideal products and dosages.
Unlike opioids and other medications, one can’t take a lethal dose of medical cannabis. If you have a dose that is too high, you may experience vomiting, nausea, or dizziness. These effects generally wear off within xx hours, however we work closely with patients to find the right dose from the start.
No matter what condition is being treated, our patients begin slowly and gradually increase the dose if needed. Everyone, but especially those who have never used cannabis before, begins with the smallest dose possible.
Your doctor will advise you to gradually increase the dose of medicinal cannabis until you achieve the desired effect. Because the levels of THC and CBD differ between products, the amount received in the dose is determined by the product used. The goal is to determine the smallest effective dose.
Our medicines’ addiction profile is lower than that of caffeine. Rise Dispensary medicines are developed to be a far safer option than some other forms of treatment such as opioids.
No. Even if you’re prescribed the dried flowers, it is not legal, nor is it recommended to smoke cannabis products. Smoking makes it difficult to ensure that you are receiving the proper dose of medicine. Furthermore, smoking cannabis may increase the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease, and other serious health problems.
Patients who are prescribed dried cannabis must also purchase a “dried herb” vaporiser, which heats the cannabis to the desired temperature for efficient dosing and therapeutic effect. If you’re prescribed this form of medicine, our pharmacist will teach you how to properly dose with your vaporiser. Accessories such as grinders and scales can be purchased from the pharmacy also.
CBD and THC have both been shown to interact with other medications. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information on possible interactions, side effects, and contraindications.
If you are a current user, the main reasons you should switch to a legal source of medicinal cannabis are quality, consistency of product, and safety. Pesticides, heavy metals, and mould can be found in black market or illicit cannabis, making it unsafe to consume. The effects of these contaminants can take time to manifest. It is best to involve your primary care physician in the management of your condition.
Combining cannabis and alcohol is not advised because their effects may amplify each other, resulting in discomfort and inebriation.
Keep your medication upright in its container at temperatures below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep out of children’s reach and sight.
Drug-driving is a criminal offence, and patients should consult with their doctor about the implications for safe and legal driving. If you take a THC-containing medication and test positive for THC in a mouth swab test, you may lose your licence. If you are prescribed a CBD-only product, you may legally drive.
Some workplaces may have a “drug-free policy” and require regular or random drug testing. If you have been prescribed medicinal cannabis, you should research your workplace policy before beginning treatment. Speak with your prescribing doctor, who may wish to refer the matter to an occupational health specialist.
No. The amendments to the Narcotics Act of 1967 that allow controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes under a national licencing scheme went into effect on October 30, 2016. This law does not apply to personal cannabis cultivation or use. Cannabis use or cultivation for non-medical purposes remains illegal. In addition, people cannot legally grow their own cannabis for medicinal purposes, even if it has been prescribed to them by a licenced doctor.
While it is legal for Australian pharmacies to sell these products, many do not keep them in stock, so you may have to wait while they order them in for you. Some pharmacists may be hesitant to provide information and advice on this revolutionary form of medicine. Rise Dispensary pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide insight and advice on all types of medicinal cannabis products.
Medicines that are not regulated by the TGA and can be ordered from overseas pose a number of risks. They may be counterfeit and contain no active ingredients. They may contain unknown amounts of the active ingredient and be either too weak to help you or too strong, which may harm you. They may be contaminated or adulterated with toxic substances, and they may contain unknown or dangerous ingredients.
Australia has an excellent system in place to ensure the safety and quality of medicines sold here. Even with a valid prescription, it is illegal for an individual to order medicinal cannabis products online or to import medicinal cannabis for personal use. The office of drug control will only issue import licences to doctors or pharmacists.
No. It could be a few years before medicinal cannabis is listed on the PBS. Medicinal cannabis products will need to be entered into the Australian Therapeutic Goods Register and then PBS approved by the federal government. Please check with your individual health insurance provider or community care organisation (e.g., Bluecare), as some companies are assisting patients by covering some of the costs of private medicinal cannabis prescriptions.