frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about alternative medicines and smoking cessation products.
The Essence Dispensary team is here to answer any questions you have when considering alternative medicine, as patient starting out with a prescription, and those already on the path to move forward out of pain and suffering.
Our dispensary door is open for the chats, check ins, and the how-to’s.
Alternative medicine FAQs
We strongly recommend patients using medicinal cannabis, particularly THC, should refrain from driving or operating machinery. Even after several days, traces of THC may persist and be detectable. Driving under the influence is against the law, and patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider to ensure safe and responsible use.
While it is not mandatory to carry your prescription, having it with you can serve to confirm you legally acquired the product. When medicinal cannabis is dispensed, the primary container (jar, bottle, etc.) is labelled by the dispensary with information such as the patient’s name, doctor’s name, date of dispensation, etc. This label serves as a verification of legality, and we highly advise keeping your medication in its original container for this purpose.
Medicinal cannabis may be covered in part or full under the non-PBS pharmaceuticals category with some private health funds. For clarity check with your private health insurance provider.
Unfortunately, medicinal cannabis is currently an unapproved medication and therefore is not covered on the PBS by Medicare. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) only covers medication listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
Medicinal cannabis products are listed as either Schedule 4 or Schedule 8 Medications depending on its THC content. A prescription for a Schedule 4 medicine is valid for 12 months from the date it is written by the doctor, whereas a prescription for a Schedule 8 medicine is only valid for 6 months.
Yes, you can travel interstate with your prescribed medicinal cannabis as it is legal for medical use across all of Australia. For verification of legality, it is recommended to keep your medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label intact. For international travel we advise you to contact your destination’s consulate or embassy for advice. If your medicinal cannabis is illegal in your destination, talk to your doctor to discuss your options.
Medicinal cannabis storage instructions will vary depending on the product but in general they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture; and as for all medications: out of reach of children.
Any company (overseas or in Australia) that imports, manufactures, or supplies medicinal cannabis must meet the strict quality standards the TGA sets. The Standard for Medicinal Cannabis (TGO 93) assures prescribers and patients that the products adhere to a rigorous quality standard, aligning with the expectations for pharmaceutical grade products.
In Australia prescription medication cannot be returned for a refund or credit due to health and safety concerns, except for certain circumstances such as a medication recall. Pharmacies have specific storage requirements for prescription medications. Once a medication is dispensed and has left the premises, the storage conditions (and therefore stability and medication’s integrity) cannot be guaranteed. For these reasons, Essence Dispensary cannot accept the return of any dispensed medication.
The Australian government is addressing the significant health issues the public is facing, particularly among young people, caused by vaping.
The two key dates for the vape reform being implemented are:
- 1 January 2024
- 1 March 2024
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) currently registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) are not affected by the vape reforms. These include:
- patches
- lozenges
- inhalers
- chews
- gums.
These therapies are available without prescription from pharmacies and some retail outlets.
From 1 January 2024, where clinically appropriate, medical practitioners and nurse practitioners can prescribe vapes for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence via the Special Access Scheme C (SAS C) pathway.
The Special Access Scheme B (SAS B) and Authorised Prescriber pathways will continue to be available.
Yes. We dispense on-site for pick up in-store or for delivery by express post.
We’re able to order in most commercially available products.
If there are stock issues with a particular brand/product, we can always contact your doctor on your behalf to request the medication prescribed to be changed to the next most suitable medicine.
Any company (overseas or in Australia) that imports, manufactures, or supplies medicinal cannabis must meet the strict quality standards the TGA sets. The Standard for Medicinal Cannabis (TGO 93) assures prescribers and patients that the products adhere to a rigorous quality standard, aligning with the expectations for pharmaceutical grade products.
Medicinal cannabis products are listed as either Schedule 4 or Schedule 8 Medications depending on its THC content. A prescription for a Schedule 4 medicine is valid for 12 months from the date it is written by the doctor, whereas a prescription for a Schedule 8 medicine is only valid for 6 months.
We strongly recommend patients using medicinal cannabis, particularly THC, should refrain from driving or operating machinery. Even after several days, traces of THC may persist and be detectable. Driving under the influence is against the law, and patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider to ensure safe and responsible use.
While it is not mandatory to carry your prescription, having it with you can serve to confirm you legally acquired the product. When medicinal cannabis is dispensed, the primary container (jar, bottle, etc.) is labelled by the dispensary with information such as the patient’s name, doctor’s name, date of dispensation, etc. This label serves as a verification of legality, and we highly advise keeping your medication in its original container for this purpose.
Medicinal cannabis may be covered in part or full under the non-PBS pharmaceuticals category with some private health funds. For clarity check with your private health insurance provider.
Unfortunately, medicinal cannabis is currently an unapproved medication and therefore is not covered on the PBS by Medicare. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) only covers medication listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
Yes, you can travel interstate with your prescribed medicinal cannabis as it is legal for medical use across all of Australia. For verification of legality, it is recommended to keep your medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label intact. For international travel we advise you to contact your destination’s consulate or embassy for advice. If your medicinal cannabis is illegal in your destination, talk to your doctor to discuss your options.
Medicinal cannabis storage instructions will vary depending on the product but in general they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture; and as for all medications: out of reach of children.
In Australia prescription medication cannot be returned for a refund or credit due to health and safety concerns, except for certain circumstances such as a medication recall. Pharmacies have specific storage requirements for prescription medications. Once a medication is dispensed and has left the premises, the storage conditions (and therefore stability and medication’s integrity) cannot be guaranteed. For these reasons, Essence Dispensary cannot accept the return of any dispensed medication.
A paper-based (hardcopy) prescription must be sent by the pharmacy (if you’re being referred to Essence Dispensary for us to fulfill your script). We also need your TGA approval form for us to keep on file.
Smoking cessation FAQs
From 1 January 2024, where clinically appropriate, medical practitioners and nurse practitioners can prescribe vapes for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence via the Special Access Scheme C (SAS C) pathway.
The Special Access Scheme B (SAS B) and Authorised Prescriber pathways will continue to be available.
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) currently registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) are not affected by the vape reforms. These include:
- patches
- lozenges
- inhalers
- chews
- gums.
These therapies are available without prescription from pharmacies and some retail outlets.
The Australian government is addressing the significant health issues the public is facing, particularly among young people, caused by vaping.
The TGA website states the following.
From 1 January 2024:
- the importation of all disposable vapes is banned, with very limited exceptions
- the Special Access Scheme C (SAS C) pathway, is available to facilitate legitimate patient access to therapeutic vapes, for smoking cessation and the management of nicotine dependence
- a form for importers and manufacturers of therapeutic vapes is available to notify the TGA about compliance with the relevant product standards prior to importation into Australia, or release for supply of vapes manufactured domestically (notices are required for goods imported or released for supply on or after 1 March 2024)
- an application form for therapeutic vape importers is available to apply for licences and permits for importing therapeutic vapes (licences and permits are required for goods imported on or after 1 March 2024).
The TGA website states the following.
From 1 March 2024 there will be:
- a ban on the importation of all vapes without an import licence and permit from the Office of Drug Control- external site
- a requirement for therapeutic vape importers and manufacturers to notify the TGA about compliance with the relevant product standards before importation to Australia or release for supply in Australia
- closure of the Personal Importation Scheme for vapes
- an exemption for travellers bringing a small quantity of vapes into Australia
- some changes to the quality requirements for therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation and the management of nicotine dependence, including restrictions on flavours to mint, menthol and tobacco
- a new medical device standard for therapeutic vaping devices that were previously excluded from the therapeutic goods framework.