Since the legalisation of medicinal cannabis in Australia in 2016, the Northern Territory (NT) has been at the forefront of its development and cultivation. Not only is the NT Government in favour of clinical studies regarding the potential efficacy of medicinal cannabis in treating health conditions, but their Health Department is also responsible for regulating the cultivation, production and distribution of medicinal cannabis within the Territory.

Keep reading to find out how the medicinal cannabis industry is managed in the Northern Territory, and the territory’s current legislation on the field.

The History of Medicinal Cannabis in NT

Medicinal cannabis dates back to ancient times when it was used for a variety of purposes including pain relief, anxiety and depression. However, its use was made illegal in the early 20th century and it remained prohibited until 2016 when the Australian Federal Government legalised its use for medicinal purposes.

The NT Government has been supportive of the legalisation of medicinal cannabis since 2016, and has taken active steps to promote its cultivation and production within the Territory. In 2017, the NT Government granted a licence to the company Cann Pharmaceutical Australia Pty Ltd to cultivate and produce medicinal cannabis in the Northern Territory. This made the NT the first Australian jurisdiction to issue a medicinal cannabis cultivation licence.

In 2018, the NT Government also passed legislation that created a new class of licences specifically for the cultivation and production of medicinal cannabis. The legislation also allows for the manufacture, supply and testing of medicinal cannabis products in the NT.

The cultivation, production and distribution of medicinal cannabis in the Northern Territory is currently regulated by the following pieces of legislation:

• Medicinal Cannabis Act 2017 (NT)
• Cannabis Control Act 1983 (NT)
• Dangerous Drugs Ordinance 1952 (NT)

Under these Acts, it is illegal to cultivate, produce or possess medicinal cannabis without a licence or permit from the NT Government. It is also illegal to sell, supply or use medicinal cannabis without a prescription from a medical practitioner.

Medicinal Cannabis Products in NT

Medicinal cannabis is made up of a number of different chemicals, known as cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, which means it is responsible for the ‘high’ that people feel when they use cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and does not produce any intoxicating effects.

In the NT, medicinal cannabis products are limited in their THC levels (in order to be legally sold or supplied). There are a variety of medicinal cannabis products that are available in the Northern Territory.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Cannabis oil: This is a concentrated form of cannabis that is typically taken orally (either by mouth or through a vaporiser). Cannabis oil usually contains high levels of THC and CBD
• Capsules and tablets: These are oral forms of cannabis that contain either THC, CBD or a combination of both cannabinoids
• Topical creams and ointments: This is a form of cannabis that is applied directly to the skin. Topical creams and ointments usually contain CBD

These products can be prescribed by a medical practitioner for the treatment of a range of health conditions

NT Laws on Prescribing Medicinal Cannabis

In NT, medicinal cannabis can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner who is registered with the Medical Board of Australia. The medical practitioner must also have completed an approved course on medicinal cannabis prescribing and must be familiar with the patient’s medical history.

In order to prescribe medicinal cannabis, the medical practitioner must first obtain approval from the NT Department of Health. This approval is granted on a case-by-case basis, and will only be given if the medical practitioner believes that there is a clinical need for the patient to use medicinal cannabis.

After receiving the approval, medical practitioners can then prescribe medicinal cannabis products to their patients. The prescribing medical practitioner is responsible for monitoring the patient’s progress and must keep detailed records of the dosage, frequency and duration of treatment.

How is Medicinal Cannabis in NT Regulated?

The NT Department of Health is responsible for drug control and regulating the cultivation, production and prescription of medicinal cannabis in the Northern Territory. It does this by issuing licences and permits to those who wish to cultivate or produce medicinal cannabis, and by approving medical practitioners who wish to prescribe medicinal cannabis products to their patients.

The Department of Health also conducts regular inspections of cannabis medicines cultivations and production sites, in order to ensure that they are compliant with the relevant legislation and regulations.

In order to apply for a cultivation licence in NT, applicants must first submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the Department of Health. The EOI must contain information about the applicant’s proposed business model, as well as details about their experience in cultivating and producing medicinal cannabis.

Applicants will then be shortlisted by the Department and will be invited to submit a full licence application. The licence application must contain detailed information about the applicant’s proposed cultivation and production site, as well as their security arrangements.

Once the licence application has been submitted, the Department of Health will assess it and make a decision on whether or not to grant the licence. If the licence is granted, the applicant will be required to pay an annual fee and will be subject to regular inspections by the Department.

Medicinal cannabis products that are cultivated and produced in NT must comply with strict quality control standards, in order to ensure that they are safe for human use. These standards are set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is the national regulator for medicinal cannabis

When it comes to the general public, the Department provides information and resources on its website about medicinal cannabis, including:

• Information about the different types of cannabis medicines that are available in the NT
• Guidelines on how medical practitioners can apply to prescribe medicinal cannabis
• Information about the approval process for cultivating and producing medicinal cannabis in the NT

The Department also operates a helpline to provide information about medicinal cannabis to the general public.

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabis NT Laws

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and industry legislation in NT and Australia.

Is medicinal cannabis legal in NT?

Yes, medicinal cannabis is legal in the Northern Territory for medicinal cannabis treatment. However, it is only legal to cultivate, produce and prescribe medicinal cannabis if you have been licensed and approved to do so by the NT Department of Health. Approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration is also required.

What are the benefits of CBD oil?

CBD is the main active ingredient in medical cannabis, and it has the potential to have a range of therapeutic benefits. These benefits may include reducing pain and inflammation, as well as providing relief from anxiety and depression. However, more research is required to determine whether or not CBD oil and medicinal cannabis products generally can concretely provide these benefits.

Can I grow medicinal cannabis in NT?

You can only grow medicinal cannabis pharmaceuticals in the Northern Territory if you have been licensed and approved to do so by the NT Department of Health. The process for applying for a licence is outlined on the Department of Health’s website and is usually only provided to registered businesses.