Getting a medical marijuana consult in Australia is easier than you may think. No matter where you live, access is only a click away thanks to telehealth services like alternaleaf.
What do you need to get started?
A Cannabis Consultation Is a Judgement-Free Conversation
While cannabis use has been stigmatised in Australia (and around the globe) for many years, the medical community and beyond are coming around to acknowledge the documented benefits of medical cannabis.
So, if you’re wondering where to start your medical marijuana journey but worried about what your doctor may think, at alternaleaf we promise a judgement-free conversation.
We approach our patients with empathy and openness. Our goal is to help patients alleviate symptoms by using this natural treatment option.
As a reminder, cannabis has been legal for medicinal purposes since 2016 in Australia. There are now hundreds of thousands of people who have had their application approved. Our doctors have helped thousands of people access medical marijuana since we’ve started.
What You Need to Prepare Before Your First Consult
Our medical marijuana consultation process is simple and done via telehealth. But, it’s still a good idea to get your paperwork in order before taking the first steps. To that end, we’ve compiled four tips to help you make your cannabis consultation simple.
Let’s begin.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is the governing body in Australia that regulates medical cannabis. One of their requirements is that we document your answers to three questions:
Do you have a chronic medical condition, and have you experienced symptoms for three months or longer?
What other (if any) treatments have you tried for this medical condition?
Have these treatments provided relief of symptoms?
We ask these questions before you book to ensure you are eligible for medical cannabis.
1. Current Condition and Past Treatments
Be prepared to discuss the reason(s) you’re seeking medical marijuana. For example, it may be for a mental health diagnosis or chronic pain. We’ll ask for symptoms that you experience and how they impact your day-to-day life in a Pre-Consult form.
You’ll also want to go into detail about what treatments you’ve already tried, such as antidepressants, over-the-counter pain relievers, sleep medication, etc. Be ready to discuss when you tried these remedies as well as for how long.
How you responded to these treatments is also important information. Did you receive some relief or none at all? All of this provides alternaleaf nurses and doctors with valuable details.
2. List of Current Medications
Another vital bit of information our team will review in your Pre-Consult form and medical marijuana consultation is a list of any medication you’re currently taking. This should include both prescription and over-the-counter remedies, to help us get a good idea of what has and has not worked for you.
Medical cannabis may interact with some medications, so bear that in mind during your alternaleaf appointment.
3. Questions
One of the most helpful ways to prepare for your cannabis consult is to write down any questions you may have about medical marijuana. This is especially helpful for those who are not very familiar with the plant and how it can have an impact on your unique physiology.
Everyone on the alternaleaf team is qualified to provide you with the honest, candid, and empathetic answers you need to make an informed decision.
4. Do a Little Research
Last but not least, do some research on medical cannabis and how it may help your specific condition.
There’s no need to read every single study on the topic—that’s what we’re here for. We have put together all the latest information into one place to make it easy for you: check out our Complete Guide to Medical Cannabis in Australia.
Medical Marijuana Consultations Demystified
You may be intimidated by the prospect of scheduling a medical marijuana consultation, but rest assured that alternaleaf provides a judgement-free and empathetic environment. So if you want to start your journey or even just ask a few questions, we’re ready to assist you in your next steps.