A Guide for Healthcare Professionals
With evolving regulations surrounding medical cannabis in Australia, healthcare professionals—including pharmacists, dispensaries, and prescribing doctors—must ensure that patients use legally compliant and medically appropriate vaporisers.
Many cannabis vaporisers available in Australia remain **unapproved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)** and are not included in the **Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)**. However, under the **TGA Special Access Scheme (SAS)**, doctors can prescribe certain unapproved vaporisers when clinically justified.
Regulatory Considerations: Unapproved Vaporisers and the SAS Pathway
Unlike vaporisers listed in the ARTG, unapproved cannabis vaporisers require a prescription and TGA approval via the **Special Access Scheme (SAS)** before they can be legally dispensed. This means:
- A registered medical practitioner must apply for **SAS approval** for a specific patient, outlining the clinical justification for prescribing a non-ARTG-listed vaporiser.
- Pharmacists must **verify TGA approval** and ensure the device is supplied **only to an authorised patient** under this scheme.
- Patients **cannot purchase** unapproved vaporisers over the counter or import them from overseas without proper approval.
Healthcare professionals must remain aware of these legal requirements to ensure **compliance** while supporting patients in need of medical cannabis therapy.
Clinical Considerations for Prescribers and Pharmacists
Although unapproved, certain vaporisers may offer features beneficial for medical cannabis treatment. These include:
- Temperature Control – Adjustable settings allow for precise vaporisation, improving cannabinoid efficiency while minimising combustion risks.
- Convection Heating – Ensures even heating of dry herb formulations, enhancing dosing consistency.
- Ease of Use – Simple interfaces can improve patient adherence to vaporisation therapy.
- Battery Performance – Longer battery life supports patients who require frequent dosing.
The Role of Healthcare Providers
For Prescribing Doctors
When considering vaporisation as a delivery method, doctors must assess the patient’s condition, prior cannabis use, and ability to operate the device. Applications for SAS approval require **clear clinical justification**, particularly when recommending a non-ARTG-listed vaporiser.
For Pharmacists and Dispensaries
Pharmacists must ensure that unapproved vaporisers are dispensed **only with proper SAS approval**. Additionally, they should:
- Provide **guidance on usage**, temperature settings, and maintenance.
- Educate patients on **legal restrictions** surrounding vaporiser purchases.
- Ensure **compliance with state and federal regulations** governing medical cannabis supply.
Conclusion
While unapproved cannabis vaporisers are not included in the ARTG, their availability through the **TGA Special Access Scheme (SAS)** provides a legal pathway for Australian patients to access them when prescribed by an authorised doctor.
Pharmacists, dispensaries, and prescribers must stay informed on TGA regulations and SAS approval processes to ensure **patient safety, legal compliance, and effective medical cannabis administration**.