The number of Authorised Prescribers (APs) leapt by more than 20% in December 2020, according to the latest figures from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
There are now 182 APs, up from 149 in November 2020.
Meanwhile, the TGA approved 5,630 applications in December, bringing the total number of SAS-B approvals to 57,781 for the year.
In total, the TGA has now approved more than 85,000 SAS-B applications for unapproved medicinal cannabis products.
I find it troubling that although I need the pure cannabidiol product, I am forced to pay $350 for it. I suffer from chronic back pain, have osteoporosis and osteopenia. I tried the cheaper compound prescribed, but I found it had a little of the THC in it (I believe that’s the ingredient). I had side effects from it including more than usual tiredness and was concerned about alertness. I honestly believe with so many people requiring cannabidiol that it is about time the Government subsidise it and place it on the PBS as in the US. Why is Australia always so far behind? There are others suffering from cancer and more chronic life-threatening diseases. How are we able to appeal to the Government to help each individual who needs this product so desperately? I have had to stop it for the interim, but I know during winter the pain will increase dramatically. I am so frustrated with our Government.