The Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) has marked its fourth anniversary with the official roll out of its nationwide compassionate access scheme – with Tasmanian Botanics set to contribute almost A$1 million worth of products.
The Compass scheme will enable any prescriber to lodge an application for cash-strapped patients to receive free, or heavily discounted treatments programs, for six months.
The access can be extended if patients are eligible and responding to medicinal cannabis.
Cannabiz flagged the launch last week after a webinar discussed the success of a six-month trial.
AMCA co-founder and chair, Dr Teresa Nicoletti said: “Since its inception in July 2020, AMCA has focused on patient access, believing that getting that right will benefit all in the sector.
“While several organisations run their own compassionate access programs, supply is often inconsistent.
“Compass will be the first truly nationwide program that allows all companies, healthcare prescribers and patients-in-need to participate. The centralised system will streamline access, ensuring efficiency and consistent support for patients.”
Tasmanian Botanics is the tenth producer to donate product to the scheme. The Hobart-based firm will supply medicine to help 500 approved patients for 12 months, valuing the investment at close to $1m.
It also plans to provide up to 2% of its production on an ongoing basis.
Other contributors are Humacology, Alma, Motherplant, Aura Therapeutics, BOD, Chemovar, Medibis, Mediquest and Medbox Pharma.
Pharmacies nationwide are being encouraged to participate in the program.
Tasmanian Botanics chief executive Dan Howard said: “As one of Australia’s largest producers, we want to do our part in supporting veterans and compassionate access patients who are unable to afford their treatment and who’s treatment is not currently covered by government schemes.
“Our intention is to ensure prescribers confidence in the program by ensuring quality and continuity of supply for their eligible patients.”
The launch follows a six-month trial overseen by Cannabis Clinicians Australia, Cannabis Warehouse and Dispense Direct.
A three-tier system has been established. The first offers entirely free medication, a second tier provides free treatment with a $10 patient contribution towards postage, while a third tier requires patients to pay $40 per unit. Of that, $25 will go to the dispensing pharmacy and $15 to Cannabis Warehouse.
While the scheme will be reliant on the generosity of producers, Cannabis Warehouse chief operating officer Eric Chan said during the webinar that it did not want Compass to become a “dumping ground” after revealing it received offers from suppliers for out-of-date product.
Nicoletti reiterated that AMCA’s preference is not to accept stock with less than three months’ shelf life, but said exceptions could be made in some circumstances.
“Donors are welcome to contact Cannabis Warehouse to discuss any stock they wish to donate and decisions can be made on a case-by-case basis,” she said.
Prescribers will be asked to make their own judgements on whether a patient is eligible for the scheme, although a two-person panel will also view the applications.
AMCA said practitioners will also be accountable for applying to the program, accepting and implementing decisions, upholding ethical governance and faithfully representing patients
It said the intention is for most applications to be approved.
“We trust prescribers’ honesty with their patients’ conditions and financial circumstances,” Nicoletti said.
The launch of the scheme has been long in the making having been raised four years ago in the 2020 Senate Inquiry into medicinal cannabis.
Nicoletti said Compass will addresses recommendations 18 and 19 from that inquiry.
Those proposals called for the launch of an industry-led compassionate access scheme – a plan that was supported by the Scott Morrison government of the day – and a system to provide commonwealth subsidies until medicinal cannabis is available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
That was “noted” but effectively rejected by the government.