Medical Cannabis in Darwin: Access, Eligibility in the Northern Territory

Are you from the Northern Territory and curious about medical cannabis? The good news is it’s legal in NT, just like the rest of Australia. But, you may wish to familiarise yourself with Northern Territory cannabis laws.

For those that live in NT, be it in Darwin or any of the more rural areas, you have come to the right place if you want to know more about medical cannabis.

Medical Cannabis Patients in the Northern Territory

In 2016 the government of Australia legalised medical cannabis in the NT and beyond. As a result, you can now get a prescription with the help of a doctor.

Since this change to cannabis laws in Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reports that approximately 277,400 people have been approved for a medical marijuana prescription.

Most people with a prescription for medical cannabis in Australia are treated with cannabis oil taken orally. This is also true in the Northern Territory. TGA data shows that most medical marijuana patients in the region are between the ages of 45 and 64 and use it to treat chronic pain and anxiety.

Eligibility for Medical Cannabis in Darwin and the NT

How is eligibility for medical cannabis in the NT determined? Your doctor will help you determine whether you're eligible and if medical cannabis might benefit you. Some of the questions you will be asked include:

• 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?

Is Cannabis Legal for Recreational Use in the Northern Territory?

Medical cannabis is legal in Australia provided you get your prescription from a doctor. It is still illegal to grow cannabis in your home or purchase it from anyone else.

Even if you have a condition that would benefit from this alternative treatment, if you procure your cannabis illegally, you will not be protected from prosecution.

An added benefit is that medical cannabis has been cultivated in high quality settings and undergoes rigorous safety tests.

Northern Territory Cannabis Laws

If you think that medical cannabis might be able to help with your chronic condition, book a consultation with a doctor at a medical cannabis clinic or your local GP and they'll assess whether you're eligible for a prescription.

There are a number of risks associated with the use of medical cannabis and your doctor will explain these to you before issuing a prescription. Medical cannabis affects everyone differently and may not help with your chronic condition.