Medical Cannabis

“The Controlled Access Scheme is a leap forward for Tasmanians
as the efficacy of medical cannabis will be safely trialled
under the supervision of prescribing medical specialists,” said Epilepsy Tasmania CEO, Wendy Groot
From September 1, the Controlled Access Scheme (CAS) will allow Tasmanians with
serious, unresponsive medical conditions to access unregistered medical cannabis
products when prescribed by a medical specialist.
GP and Epilepsy Tasmania Board Member, Dr Elizabeth Lord, said “There is potential
for medical cannabis to help some people control their epileptic seizures when all other
options have failed. Until now, people with severe refractory seizures or catastrophic
epilepsy syndromes have been unable to access and trial medical cannabis as an antiepileptic
treatment option.”
CEO of Epilepsy Tasmania, Ms Wendy Groot, said “We support the use of medical
cannabis under specialist medical supervision for the management of epilepsy. We also
hope the CAS will result in ongoing scientific trials and research into the use and
efficacy of medical cannabis, while improving quality of life and reducing hospital
admissions for people living with epilepsy.”
Tasmania’s state Budget, released in May 2017, allocated $3.75 million towards the
comprehensive clinical assessment of patients who may be eligible for medical
cannabis due to being non-responsive to mainstream medications.
“A crucial component to the success of the CAS are GPs having confidence that there
are neurologists and neurological nurses available within the clinical services to
prescribe, monitor and support people.”
“Epilepsy Tasmania is liaising with the Hodgman Liberal Government to ensure that
GP’s and Tasmanians have resources and access to information about the referral
process, as well as knowledge about the products,” said Ms Groot.
Products prescribed under the scheme will be dispensed through the Tasmanian Health
Service pharmacies, ensuring patients will pay no more than the legislated
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment.

ABOUT EPILEPSY:
▪ Epilepsy is a common brain disorder that takes the form of recurring seizures.
▪ It can develop at any age regardless of ethnicity or gender.
▪ One in 10 people will experience a seizure during their life.
▪ One in 25 Australians (20,000 Tasmanians) will develop epilepsy during their life.

CONNECT WITH EPILEPSY TASMANIA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @epilepsytas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpilepsyTasmania/
Hashtags: #epilepsytasmania #donatetothelavender

www.epilepsytasmania.org.au

ABOUT DONATE TO THE LAVENDER:

Epilepsy Tasmania is a Tasmanian not-for-profit association significantly reliant upon
donations and grants, and understood to be the only one providing on-the-ground
services and support in Tasmania for Tasmanians who live with or are affected by
epilepsy.
During our major annual fundraiser this March – International Epilepsy Awareness
Month – we are noticing an increasing number of interstate charities collecting donations
within Tasmania yet not providing actual services or support here.
To prevent misunderstanding and stop much-needed donations from being taken out of
our state, Epilepsy Tasmania has introduced its Donate to the Lavender logo: when
you see this logo or the name Epilepsy Tasmania, rest assured your donation will stay
in Tasmania and be used to help Tasmanians.
Epilepsy Tasmania CEO, Wendy Groot