FAQs About CBD, Medical Cannabis Clinic, and More

Medicinal cannabis is any product that contains cannabis, or components derived from cannabis, that is prescribed by a doctor to treat the symptoms of a medical condition.

Medicinal cannabis products generally include one or both of two key components – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These components are responsible for most of the medicinal benefit of cannabis.

The Endocannabinoid System is a complex regulatory system made up of receptors, molecules called endocannabinoids, and enzymes that either synthesize or metabolize those endocannabinoids. The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to regulate the human body by maintaining homeostasis.

The cannabis plant produces more than 500 different chemical compounds, including over 120 phytocannabinoids (like THC and CBD), 30 (known) terpenes (like linalool and myrcene), flavonoids and hundreds of other compounds; but fewer than 50 of these compounds are produced in significant amounts.

CB1 receptors are found primarily in the nervous system while CB2 receptors are found predominately the immune system, however both receptors can be found in various organs throughout the body. The mapping of these receptors fits well with the diverse range of symptoms and conditions that are found to respond positively to medicinal cannabis, and the synergistic effect (known as the Entourage Effect) of these different compounds working together in each unique strain/medicine is what causes such diverse effects.

It is important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor. The risks and potential side effects of medicinal cannabis depend on the type of product, and the individual. Cannabidiol (CBD) generally has minimal side effects. However, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known for making people feel ‘high’. Common side effects for both include:

• Tiredness or drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in appetite
• Dry mouth
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Euphoria
• Cognitive effects

Balnce also advises against smoking cannabis, as this poses risks to lung health.

Medicinal cannabis can interact with some other medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use or plan to use.

It is important to discuss potential risks of medicinal cannabis with your doctor. In general, you should avoid using medicinal cannabis if you:

• Have allergies or hypersensitivity to cannabis or carrier oil.
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or hope to become pregnant during the treatment period.
• Have a psychiatric condition
• Have certain heart or lung conditions

Yes. Medicinal cannabis is legal in Australia if an authorised prescriber (doctor) decides the treatment appropriate for you, you receive approval for use from Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and you obtain the medicinal cannabis with a valid prescription.

To be eligible for medicinal cannabis, you must:

• Be over 18
• Be an Australian resident
• Have had a chronic condition for at least three months
• Have exhausted all conventional treatment options, or experienced adverse unacceptable side effects from these treatments

To access medicinal cannabis in Australia, you will need to consult with a doctor. They then need to apply for approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on your behalf. If you are eligible and your application is approved, the doctor will help you access the medication.

The process to get TGA approval, then receive your prescription, is:

1. Discuss your health, needs and options with your doctor.
2. If your doctor thinks medicinal cannabis is appropriate for you, they will apply to the TGA on your behalf.
3. If your application is approved, this usually happens within 48 hours.
4. The doctor writes your prescription, which goes to a pharmacy.

Laws about driving with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from medicinal cannabis in your system vary across states and territories. It is best to check your state’s or territory’s laws carefully.

Balnce is an integrative and holistic telehealth clinic. It is an online hub for integrative medicine practitioners to provide medical service to patients from around Australia.

You can access Balnce doctors by appointment only.

No. A referral is preferred, but not required. However, please bring as much of your medical history as possible. This will help the doctor assess you thoroughly.

You can book an appointment by clicking the ‘Book a Consult’ button at the top of the Balnce website.

You will speak to the doctor via the Balnce telehealth (online) platform. This means you can use video/audio over the internet to talk to them. Having a telehealth consultation is a convenient and effective way to see a doctor.

Initial appointment: 30-45 minutes (includes the TGA application process)
Follow-up appointment: 15-20 minutes
Repeat script: 5 minutes

Appointments are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

You can expect to need multiple appointments when you start treatment, so the doctor can monitor how the treatment is working for you. Once a treatment plan is working well, appointments can be less frequent.

If you are happy with your doctor, and feel your needs are being met, we recommend you see the same doctor for each appointment. We do our best to make sure that can happen, but it is not guaranteed.

Yes, you can choose whether to speak to a female or male doctor. This is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.

Your medical records and personal information will only be viewed by your doctor(s) and authorised staff. Your data is encrypted and will always be protected. To learn more, please read our Privacy Policy.

Yes. Balnce doctors are fully qualified, as well insured and registered in Australia, and have advanced plant-based treatment expertise.

All Balance doctors are located in Australia.

Medicinal cannabis is very new in Australia. Some of our doctors started prescribing in 2020.

No. Your Balnce doctor will assess your condition and circumstances. If they decide plant-based treatment is appropriate, they will apply to the TGA on your behalf. It is then up to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) whether they approve your application. If your application is approved, your doctor will write you a prescription.

If your practitioner prescribed using eScript software, you will receive the eScript via SMS/email and it contains a token that the pharmacy scans to retrieve your script information. Ongoing repeats require the pharmacy to issue you a new token via SMS/email. The Pharmacist will require a copy of your TGA approval, which the clinic is happy to send directly to the pharmacy.

Some patients will be issued non-eScripts and these can be send directly to your pharmacy of choice accompanied with your TGA approval documents.

You are free to nominate a pharmacy of your choice. Please notify the clinic and the team can arrange your TGA approval documents to be sent to your pharmacy. You will need this prior to any new dispense.

This will vary on a case-by-case basis as it depends on what dosage your doctor prescribes.

• Initial consultations: $89.00
• Follow up consultation: $49.00
• Script renewal consultation: $45.00

No. Medicare may contribute to the cost of some appointments for eligible patients, but there is an out-of-pocket cost for all appointments.

Yes, a Medicare card is needed to access our services.

No. For legal reasons we cannot offer telehealth services to patients outside Australia.

Integrative medicine is when natural medicine is used alongside traditional medicine. Also known as holistic health, it views an individual’s health condition as a combination of all symptoms – as opposed to isolated symptoms. This approach focuses on multiple parts of health, including:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Social
• Spiritual
• Mental

Some treatments used in integrative medicine can interact with other prescription medicines, alcohol and drugs. It is important to speak to your doctor if you are using any medicines, alcohol or drugs, to learn about any potential risks and side effects.