Often referred to as ‘medical marijuana’ or ‘medical cannabis’, medicinal cannabis is a term used to describe the use of the cannabis plant and its derivative extracts for therapeutic benefits.
The term ‘cannabinoid’ refers to compounds found in the cannabis plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) – which can provide medicinal relief.
CBD and THC are two of over a hundred naturally occurring compounds called phyto-cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The human body also produces cannabinoids known as endocannbinoids.
Phyto-cannabinoids interact exclusively with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vital system within the human body said to support the regulation of pain, mood, memory, appetite and other immune system responses1 .
Cannabinoids are thought to help maintain our health and well-being by balancing our body’s endocannabinoid system.
In the past 20 years, there has been increasing international focus on the medical potential of cannabis and cannabinoids, in particular CBD and THC.
CBD is typically used to treat anxiety, inflammation and seizures and is non-intoxicating and non-addictive. CBD can also be used to counter-act the intoxicating effects of THC.
THC is typically prescribed for the treatment and relief of chronic pain and inflammatory diseases.
Today, various evidence exists demonstrating the efficacy of certain forms of cannabis as a treatment option for various medical conditions.
Other current potential uses of cannabis (as adjunctive therapy or second line treatment) include2, 3:
The therapeutic use of cannabis is also under investigation for many, many more conditions.
Following the lead of countries like Canada and Israel, Australia legalised the cultivation of medicinal cannabis at the federal level in 2016.
This legislation change, welcomed by thousands of patients with chronic and painful conditions, has provided much needed access to reliable, high-quality cannabis that is safe to use.
Unlike illegal cannabis, medicinal cannabis in Australia is subject to rigorous quality controls and testing requirements. Requirements which ensure patients are aware of the concentration and potency levels in their medicine and that products do not contain molds, microbials or other contaminants that may be harmful when consumed.
As well as adhering to these Australian quality standards, ANTG’s medicinal cannabis products are cultivated and manufactured to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) standards.
We are the first and only Australian medicinal cannabis company to receive these accreditations for medicinal cannabis flower manufacturing, certifying our products meet the highest pharmaceutical standards worldwide.
Medicinal cannabis can only prescribed by a registered medical practitioner via the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s Special Access Scheme (Categories A, B & C), Authorised Prescriber Scheme and Clinical Trial Notification Scheme.
A general practitioner is typically a patients first point of call. Before prescribing medicinal cannabis, the doctor will assess each patient to decide if the treatment is appropriate for their condition and individual circumstances.
For specific information on how to access medicinal cannabis products in Australia, please read this resource created by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
ANTG’s medicinal cannabis products are available with an approved prescription via the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s Special Access Scheme or via Authorised Prescriber applications.
For more information about our medicinal cannabis products, healthcare providers can contact our distributor Anspec on 02 8438 8600.
Our Australian home base uses best-in-class cultivation, extraction and laboratory processes – which not only guarantees superior pharmaceutical quality and medicinal benefit but also makes the process as clean and environmentally friendly as possible.
Our deep-rooted history in hemp cultivation means we understand the ideal plant genetic profiles that will produce a full spectrum of rich cannabinoids for therapeutic benefit and effect.
We know that no two patients are alike, and we are committed to developing unique strains and exclusive cannabinoid products to meet individual needs.
ANTG has listed two new THC-dominant medicinal cannabis strains on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
In conjunction with the HMRI and lead biomedical scientist Dr Matt Dun, we’re investigating the anticancer properties of our plant varieties. Dr Matt Dun shares his initial thoughts on the joint research project.
In an exclusive interview with 60 Minutes, Olivia Newton-John, Australian actress who is recovering from her third breast cancer continues to credit medical cannabis with helping her manage not only the pain, but also sleep and anxiety.
We’re thrilled to announce we have received our export licence from the Drug Control Section of the ODC (Office of Drug Control). We’re firmly on course to continue to lead the way and be the first medicinal cannabis company in Australia to export cannabis flower to the EU since export was legalised in 2018.
We are focused on research and development, partnering with leading scientists and medical institutions to develop cannabinoid medicines that offer safe and effective therapeutic benefits.
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