DVA Introduces Dosage Limits and Specialist Rules for Medicinal Cannabis

DVA Introduces Dosage Limits and Specialist Rules for Medicinal Cannabis

23 Feb 2026

The changes follow growing evidence of harm linked to high-strength THC products.

Under the updated DVA Medicinal Cannabis Framework, only medical practitioners with specialist registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) can prescribe medicinal cannabis for veterans. New prescriptions now also require an initial in-person consultation.

A daily dosage and concentration limit has been set for products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) due to concerns about safety and limited evidence of benefit from high-strength products. Dried herb medicinal cannabis will be capped at a THC concentration of 25% or less, and only products listing cannabidiol and THC as active ingredients will be funded.

Associate Professor Michael Clements, RACGP Rural Chair and veteran, welcomed the changes, saying they recognise the expertise of GPs and the importance of face-to-face care. He emphasised that veterans who need therapeutic doses will still have access under the new rules.

The new restrictions apply immediately to veterans without previous prescriptions. Those with existing prescriptions have a six-month transition period until 1 September.

The DVA will continue to fund medicinal cannabis on a case-by-case basis for conditions including:

  • Chronic pain

  • Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

  • Palliative care

  • Anorexia and wasting from chronic illness

  • Spasticity from neurological conditions

  • Refractory paediatric epilepsy

Prescribers are also required to conduct a mental health assessment, ensure patients do not have a current substance use disorder, and actively monitor for signs of cannabis use disorder.

The DVA began funding medicinal cannabis under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2018. Recent AHPRA guidelines highlight potential risks, including psychosis and concerns around over-servicing in single-purpose dispensaries.

These changes aim to ensure safer, clinically appropriate use of medicinal cannabis while maintaining access for veterans who genuinely need it.

https://www1.racgp.org.au/

Source: newsGP

 
 

Categories

Popular Posts

Tags