❓ Dr. Walker questions the discrepancy in dispensing interstate medicinal cannabis prescriptions compared to other Schedule 8 drugs, highlighting potential disadvantages for WA patients. The Minister acknowledges the issue and indicates upcoming regulatory changes to align cannabis with other Schedule 8 medications.
AnsweredQoN 943Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CANNABIS
— INTERSTATE PRESCRIPTIONS
943. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Health:
I refer the minister to the current
Department of Health guidelines for dispensing interstate prescriptions.
(1) Since most
schedule 8 medicines can be prescribed in the eastern states and dispensed
here, why has an exception been made for medicinal cannabis products?
(2) Am I right in
my understanding that a medicinal cannabis prescription can be issued,
dispensed and couriered from the eastern states to a patient here in WA?
(3) If yes to
(2), what purpose does it serve to penalise patients who have a perfectly valid
prescription, but who may wish to avoid interstate courier fees?
— INTERSTATE PRESCRIPTIONS
943. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Health:
I refer the minister to the current
Department of Health guidelines for dispensing interstate prescriptions.
(1) Since most
schedule 8 medicines can be prescribed in the eastern states and dispensed
here, why has an exception been made for medicinal cannabis products?
(2) Am I right in
my understanding that a medicinal cannabis prescription can be issued,
dispensed and couriered from the eastern states to a patient here in WA?
(3) If yes to
(2), what purpose does it serve to penalise patients who have a perfectly valid
prescription, but who may wish to avoid interstate courier fees?
AnswerView source ↗
I
thank the member for some notice of the question. The following answer has been
provided by the Minister for Health.
(1)–(3) The
current Western Australian regulatory requirements mean prescribers must be
authorised by the CEO of the WA Department of Health before prescribing
medicinal cannabis. As such, interstate prescriptions for medicinal cannabis in
schedule 8 cannot currently be dispensed in Western Australia. Following
consultation, regulatory changes are being progressed, which will include
changes to treat medicinal cannabis in a similar manner to other schedule 8
medicines.
thank the member for some notice of the question. The following answer has been
provided by the Minister for Health.
(1)–(3) The
current Western Australian regulatory requirements mean prescribers must be
authorised by the CEO of the WA Department of Health before prescribing
medicinal cannabis. As such, interstate prescriptions for medicinal cannabis in
schedule 8 cannot currently be dispensed in Western Australia. Following
consultation, regulatory changes are being progressed, which will include
changes to treat medicinal cannabis in a similar manner to other schedule 8
medicines.
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