Medical plant-based therapy has become a recognised treatment for various conditions in Australia, including chronic pain, neurological disorders, and mental health conditions. However, accessing these treatments requires a prescription from a qualified doctor, followed by obtaining medication from an authorised dispensary.

At Second Drawer Herbs, we provide clear, reliable guidance on how to navigate the medical plant-based therapy prescription process in Australia. This article covers who is eligible, how to get a prescription, and how to legally access dispensaries.

 

Who Can Get a Medical Plant-Based Therapy Prescription?

Medical plant-based therapy is not automatically prescribed for every patient. Instead, doctors assess each case individually to determine whether a plant-based treatment is appropriate.

Eligibility Criteria for Medical Plant-Based Therapy in Australia

• Chronic pain conditions – Includes arthritis, nerve pain, migraines, and fibromyalgia
• Neurological disorders – Such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease
• Mental health conditions – Including PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression
• Cancer-related symptoms – Managing pain, nausea, and appetite loss
• Palliative care – Supporting symptom relief in terminal illnesses

If conventional treatments have failed or caused severe side effects, a doctor may consider medical plant-based therapy as an alternative.

 

How to Get a Medical Plant-Based Therapy Prescription

To obtain a prescription in Australia, patients must follow a regulated process that involves medical assessment and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval.

Step 1: Consultation with a Qualified Doctor

The first step is booking an appointment with a doctor who is authorised to prescribe medical plant-based therapy. This could be:

• A General Practitioner (GP) with plant-based therapy experience
• A specialist (e.g., pain specialist, neurologist, psychiatrist)
• An Authorised Prescriber – A doctor pre-approved by the TGA to prescribe without further approvals

During the consultation, the doctor will:

• Review your medical history and current treatments
• Assess whether plant-based therapy is a suitable option
• Discuss potential benefits and risks

Step 2: TGA Approval (If Required)

Not all doctors can directly prescribe medical plant-based therapy—many must apply for approval through the TGA’s Special Access Scheme (SAS) B.

Two Approval Pathways:

• Authorised Prescriber (AP) Pathway – Some doctors can prescribe without needing case-by-case TGA approval
• Special Access Scheme (SAS) B Pathway – If the doctor is not an Authorised Prescriber, they must submit an application for each patient

Once approved, the doctor issues a legal prescription, which can be used to access a medical plant-based therapy dispensary.

 

Filling Your Prescription at a Medical Plant-Based Therapy Dispensary

Once you have a prescription, the next step is to obtain your plant-based treatment from a licensed dispensary.

How to Fill Your Prescription:

• Find an authorised dispensary – Ensure it is TGA-approved and legally operates within Australia.
• Provide your prescription – Dispensaries will only dispense medications with
• Choose the right product format – Depending on your treatment plan, options may include:
  • Oils and tinctures – For controlled, sublingual dosing
  • Capsules and tablets – For long-term management
  • Topical creams and balms – For localised pain relief

Many dispensaries offer in-person pickup or legal home delivery services for patients with valid prescriptions.

 

Cost and Affordability of Medical Plant-Based Therapy in Australia

Is Medical Plant-Based Therapy Covered by Medicare?

Currently, medical plant-based therapy is not covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This means that patients must pay out-of-pocket for treatment.

How Much Does It Cost?

Costs vary depending on:

• The type of plant-based product prescribed
• The dosage and treatment plan
• The dispensary and supplier pricing structure

Ways to Reduce Costs:

• Check multiple dispensaries – Prices vary depending on location and supplier
• Ask your doctor about dosage management – Adjusting dosage may help reduce costs
• Explore patient assistance programs – Some providers offer discounts for eligible patients

 

Common Questions About Medical Plant-Based Therapy Prescriptions

Do I Need a Referral to Get a Medical Plant-Based Therapy Prescription?

In most cases, no referral is needed to see a doctor who prescribes plant-based therapy. However, if seeing a specialist (e.g., pain or neurological expert), your GP may provide a referral letter.

How Long Does the Prescription Approval Process Take?

• If your doctor is an Authorised Prescriber, you may receive a prescription immediately
• If applying through SAS B, TGA approval can take a few days to a few weeks

Can I Travel with My Medical Plant-Based Therapy?

• Patients should always carry a valid prescription and supporting documentation
• Travel laws vary by state and country, so always check before flying

Can I Drive While Using Medical Plant-Based Therapy?

• CBD-only treatments may be legal for driving
• THC-containing treatments may result in drug-driving penalties, even with a prescription

Always discuss driving laws with your doctor before using medical plant-based therapy.

 

The Future of Medical Plant-Based Therapy in Australia

As research continues to support the effectiveness of plant-based therapy, there is growing demand for:

• Simplified access for patients – Reducing TGA approval steps
• More Authorised Prescribers – Allowing faster prescriptions without government approval delays
• Potential PBS inclusion – Making treatment more affordable for Australian patients

As policies evolve, more Australians may gain easier access to plant-based treatments in the future.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how to obtain a medical plant-based therapy prescription in Australia is key to accessing safe and legal treatment. The process involves:

• Consulting a qualified doctor to assess eligibility
• Receiving TGA approval (if required)
• Filling the prescription at an authorised dispensary

By following legal channels, patients can ensure they receive high-quality, regulated medical plant-based therapy.