Frequently asked questions
Is Alternative Medicine Legal in Australia?
Yes, since March 2017, Alternative Medicine has been legal in Australia. However, purchasing Alternative Medicine online remains illegal. These products can only be lawfully obtained from a pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription.
What is Alternative Medicine? What Are Its Benefits?
Alternative Medicine refers to pharmaceutical-grade products intended for therapeutic use. While research on its effects is ongoing, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), in collaboration with Australian states, has developed guidelines to help doctors and patients understand its potential benefits.
Alternative Medicine has been considered for managing conditions such as:
✔ Epilepsy
✔ Multiple sclerosis
✔ Nausea and vomiting (e.g., chemotherapy-related)
✔ Chronic pain management
✔ Palliative care
Clinical research continues to explore other potential therapeutic uses.
Can I Drive While Being Treated with Alternative Medicine?
It depends on the product. Some Alternative Medicine products contain THC, which has psychoactive effects and may impair:
🚫 Mental alertness
🚫 Physical coordination
🚫 Driving ability
In Victoria, it is a criminal offense to drive with detectable THC levels in your saliva, blood, or urine. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery while using THC-containing Alternative Medicine. Always consult your doctor about the legal and safety aspects before driving.
Who Can Access Alternative Medicine Products?
✅ Any patient with any medical condition may be prescribed Alternative Medicine, provided their doctor considers it clinically appropriate.
How Do I Access Alternative Medicine?
To access legal Alternative Medicine products:
1️⃣ Consult Your Doctor – Discuss whether Alternative Medicine is suitable for your condition.
2️⃣ Obtain a Prescription – Only an Authorise doctors can prescribe these products.
3️⃣ Approval Process – Ask to send the Approvals letters to the pharmacy if they don’t have them already.
4️⃣ Pharmacy Dispensing – Medications must be obtained from a pharmacy.
Who Do I Apply to for Access to Integrative Medicines?
For patients, the first step is to discuss integrative medicines with your doctor.
✅ Access to legal integrative medicines is solely through a prescription from your primary doctor or specialist if they determine it is beneficial for your condition.
✅ While any doctor can prescribe integrative medicines, they may need to seek Commonwealth and/or State approvals before issuing a prescription.