Little Green Pharma Ltd (ASX: LGP) (“LGP” or “the Company”) welcomes the significant regulatory changes introduced in Western Australia for the prescribing and dispensing of medicinal cannabis. These updates reflect a substantial advancement in patient access and prescribing efficiency, addressing long-standing barriers for Western Australian patients and practitioners.
Key Changes
Local dispensing of interstate prescriptions
Western Australians can now have Schedule 8 medicinal cannabis prescriptions issued by interstate telehealth clinics or prescribers dispensed at local WA pharmacies. This eliminates the previous requirement for interstate dispensing and postal delivery. This reform:
- Enhances patient access to local pharmacy networks.
- Fosters greater competition, potentially lowering costs for patients.
- Addresses patient concerns regarding the accessibility and affordability of medicinal cannabis treatments.
Streamlined prescribing process for WA Doctors
WA-based prescribers are no longer required to obtain prior authorisation from the WA State Health CEO to prescribe medicinal cannabis for eligible patients. This streamlining will:
- Reduce administrative burdens for prescribers.
- Accelerate access to treatments for patients.
- Support alignment with national prescribing standards for medicinal cannabis.
These changes reflect advancements outlined in the updated Monitored Medicines Prescribing Code, which emphasises reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining safeguards for patient and public safety.
Alignment with National Guidelines
The reforms bring WA closer to national prescribing practices, ensuring consistency and efficiency across jurisdictions. Local implementation of real-time prescription monitoring tools, such as ScriptCheckWA, further bolsters safe prescribing practices while promoting informed decision-making for clinicians.
Impact on Little Green Pharma
As a Western Australian-based company, with significant local production capabilities, these changes significantly enhance LGP’s ability to support its local patient base. Key benefits include:
- Improved accessibility: Enhanced local dispensing options increase access to medicinal cannabis products.
- Faster prescribing: Reduced administrative overhead for WA prescribers enables a more patient-centric treatment approach.
- Alignment with WA’s regulatory framework: Strengthened alignment with WA’s regulatory framework positions LGP to better serve its growing patient base, enhancing confidence in medicinal cannabis as a viable treatment option.
“These regulatory changes mark a significant step forward for WA patients, ensuring they have better access to affordable, high-quality medicinal cannabis treatments,” said Paul Long, CEO of Little Green Pharma. “At LGP, we are proud to have contributed to this progress and remain committed to improving patient outcomes.”
Contact details:
David Tasker
Chapter One Advisors
E: dtasker@chapteroneadvisors.com.au
T: +61 433 112 936