Medical cannabis is the name given to any type of oil, flower, extract, topical, or other therapy that is derived from the cannabis plant and prescribed by a licensed doctor. It is not just one medication.

You can take medical cannabis in one of two ways, depending on the type of product prescribed. Medical cannabis oils are taken orally, while dry cannabis flowers are heated through a vaporiser. Smoking is never recommended in medical cannabis treatment.

The effectiveness varies from person to person, but many patients find medical cannabis helps relieve their symptoms. In the right individuals, it has been proven effective in treating spasticity, chronic pain, some types of seizures, and some mental health conditions Your doctor will help you find out whether medical cannabis is the best course of treatment for you.

It is worth noting that in some cases, medical cannabis use can produce unwanted side effects, including drowsiness and difficulty focussing, that may be more detrimental to your lifestyle than the symptoms it treats. Your doctor will discuss all possible options and their side effects with you and weigh the options when deciding whether medical cannabis is right for you.

You may be eligible for medical cannabis if you meet all three of the below criteria:

1. You suffer from a chronic condition as evaluated by your doctor
2. You have tried at least one standard medication or treatment for the condition
3. The treatment you tried was ineffective or produced unbearable side effects

Doctors at Advanced Health Medical Centre in Bankstown can prescribe medical cannabis flowers or CBD oil. Often, but not always, cannabis oils have a higher CBD content and dry flower products have more THC. Your doctor will discuss all available options and help you decide which is right for you.

The exact cost of medical cannabis depends on the type and brand of medical cannabis flower that you have been prescribed, with higher THC products often (but not always) costing more.

Most patients consume 0.2-0.9 grams per day, meaning that a standard 10-gram jar may last 8-50 days. The amount needed to get the desired effect can vary greatly between patients, so your doctor will help you find the right dosage through a process known as titration.

Medical cannabis products in Australia are not currently subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Some health funds cover part of all of the cost, so be sure to check with your provider.

Medical cannabis is prescribed by a medical professional and sold by licensed pharmacies, in a dated, sealed jar. It has been laboratory-tested to ensure quality and consistency, and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it contains the right levels of therapeutic compounds.

Medical CBD oil and hemp oil are two different products. Help oil is made from hemp seeds – though it may contain trace amounts of CBD or THC (less than 50mg/kg), it does not have a recognised medical use. However, hemp oil does contain a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids which may help treat eczema.

Medical CBD oil is made from the flowers of a specially-bred cannabis plant. The oil is produced in a laboratory by pressing the flower to extract the beneficial compounds. As it is produced and tested in a controlled environment, you can be sure that medical-grade CBD oil contains a standardised amount of beneficial compounds.