At Harmony we offer secure and convenient Telehealth appointments for patients across Australia who wish to explore the use of natural therapies for their chronic medical conditions.
For patients with chronic medical conditions or symptoms that have not responded to more traditional therapies we may be able to offer further medication options.
We are an independent clinic, as such any potential treatment or medication recommended will be determined by your specific health needs and preferences.
Our goal is to help patients manage the symptoms of their chronic medical conditions to enable them to lead full lives and participate in occupation, recreation, family and social endeavours.
We enjoy working with patients and discussing medication options that may provide analgesia, relief of nausea, reduction in anxiety, improved sleep quality and more.
Take our questionnaire to find out if you may be eligible
Schedule an Initial Consultation for your first visit. Further appointments may be follow-up only
Your doctor will explore your health needs to tailor an individual treatment plan with product and dose recommendations
Your medication can be delivered directly to you at home or you are able to collect from your nominated pharmacy
We believe that telehealth appointments provide a safe and effective way to conduct consultations. We are proud to offer this service to patients across the country and we look forward to helping you navigate your specific health needs.
Pricing
Initial consultation (20 minutes) - $99
Follow-up consultation (15 minutes) - $50
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about appointment types
The first step in booking an appointment is to complete our Eligibility Questionnaire. If you are deemed eligible, you may then book an Initial Consultation by using our ‘Book consultation’ link at the top of the page.
Please note, as your booking is precluding another patient from taking your appointment time, we do require payment at the time of booking.
Our appointments are generally conducted via telephone however if you prefer, video conference is also available.
At your scheduled appointment time, the doctor will call you. The doctor may ask you questions in order to confirm your identity such as your full name, date of birth and address.
Please ensure you have reception and are in a private and quiet space during your appointment.
At an initial consultation, the doctor will discuss your current symptoms, your past medical and surgical history, any investigations you have had such as blood tests or imaging, current and past medications, any allergies and your social history such as your occupation.
The doctor will then discuss your goals of treatment with cannabis medication such as a reduction in pain, improved mental wellbeing, reduction in anxiety, symptom control that allows your to participate in recreation and occupation, etc.
The doctor will then discuss your treatment plan with product and dose recommendations and a timeframe for a follow up appointment.
Initial consultations: this appointment is for new patients to Harmony. This is a detailed appointment where we discuss your current symptoms, past medical and surgical history, medications, allergies and goals of treatment.
Follow up consultations: during this appointment we review how your symptoms are being managed, any side effects and discuss whether any dose or product adjustments are required.
Once your prescription is issued we can either send it directly to you or your nominated pharmacy. You may then arrange pick up or delivery directly with the pharmacy.
Prescriptions for cannabis products in Australia are valid for 6 months.
Medicinal cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, refers to the use of the cannabis plant or its extracts to treat medical conditions or symptoms. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 compounds called cannabinoids, the two most well known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which are believed to have medicinal properties.
Medicinal cannabis can be consumed in a variety of forms, including smoking, vaporising, ingesting and topical applications. Different forms of cannabis may be used to treat different conditions, and the dose and method of administration may also vary depending on the individual patient and their medical needs.
Cannabis and marijuana are often used interchangeably, however they have different meanings. Cannabis is a plant genus that includes several species, including Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. Marijuana, on the other hand, is a term used to describe the dried leaves, flowers, stems and seeds of the cannabis plant that are typically used for recreational or medicinal purposes.
While all marijuana comes from the cannabis plant, not all cannabis is marijuana. For example, hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that is grown for its fiber and seeds, and contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that produces the ‘high’ associated with marijuana. The term ‘marijuana’ is often used to refer specifically to cannabis products that contain higher levels of THC and are used for recreational or medicinal purposes.
THC and CBD are two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant but they have different effects on the human body.
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, meaning it is responsible for the ‘high’ or euphoric effects commonly associated with marijuana use. THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which can cause the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters that produce feelings of pleasure and relaxation. THC can also have various effects on the body including increased appetite, decreased nausea and reduced pain.
CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive and does not produce a ‘high’ like THC. CBD does not bind to the CB1 receptors in the brain however it can bind to other receptors around the body and has the potential health benefits of pain relief, reduced anxiety and depression and anti-inflammatory effects.
The ratio of CBD:THC in different cannabis products and medications is responsible for their different effects on the body.
In Australia, medicinal cannabis is available in a variety of forms, including: flower, bud, oil, capsules, sprays and topicals. The form of medicinal cannabis that is recommended for a patient will depend on their individual medical condition, their preference and the prescribing healthcare provider’s judgement.
Different forms of cannabis may have different effects and onset/offset times. It is important to follow the prescribing healthcare provider’s instructions on dosing and administration.
The potential therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis are mainly attributed to the active compounds in the plant, known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
In Australia, medicinal cannabis is currently used for the treatment of certain medical conditions, including but not limited to:
It’s important to note that medicinal cannabis is not a cure for these conditions and may not be effective for everyone. Additionally, the use of medicinal cannabis should always be under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner and in compliance with local laws and regulations.
Like all medications, medicinal cannabis can have potential adverse effects, although the risk and severity of these effects vary depending on the individual and the type of product used. The majority of these adverse effects are mild to moderate in severity and will resolve once the effect of the medication has worn off. Adverse effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, impaired memory and concentration and potential interactions with other medications.
Adverse reactions to cannabis products are generally temporary and will resolve as the effects of the medication wear off, usually within a matter of minutes or hours.
If you suffer an adverse reaction your doctor may recommend a change in product or dose. If you feel the medication is no longer right for you you may cease treatment.
There is potential for cannabis to interact with certain medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as supplements. Some examples of medications that could interact with cannabis include: sedatives, anticoagulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-seizure medications. Side effects may include increased or decreased effects of your other medications.
It is important that we know all other medications you are currently taking. Whenever starting a new cannabis based medication it is recommended to start at a low dose and titrate according to symptoms.
In Australia the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is legal under certain circumstances. Individuals who meet the criteria for treatment, such as those with chronic pain, anxiety, or cancer-related symptoms, can legally access and use medicinal cannabis products with a prescription from an authorised medical practitioner following approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) through the special access scheme or Authorised Prescriber Scheme.
Please see the TGA website for more information: https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/medicinal-cannabis-hub
No, you do not need a referral. Please take our eligibility questionnaire to find out if our service is right for you and book an appointment online.
For your safety and to achieve the best outcomes in your care we strongly encourage you to speak to your healthcare providers before using medicinal cannabis. We will request your consent to liaise and share information with your providers such as your general practitioner and specialists.
No, in Australia your doctor can apply for access to medicinal cannabis products for you through the Special Access Scheme or the Authorised Prescriber Scheme without a medicare card.
However, without a medicare card you will not be able to receive electronic prescriptions. Your prescriptions will be dispensed on paper.
Unfortunately, there will not be a medicare rebate for our service.
Medicinal cannabis products are considered to be unapproved medicines in Australia. Unapproved medicines have not been assessed by the TGA for safety, quality or effectiveness.
Please see the TGA website for more information: https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/medicinal-cannabis-hub
The laws around driving under the influence of cannabis vary between states and territories, but generally, it is illegal to drive with any detectable amount of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis) in your system. This means that if you are pulled over and a roadside drug test shows that you have THC in your system, you may be charged with a driving offense. It is worth noting that the law doesn’t differentiate between medicinal cannabis and recreational cannabis use when it comes to driving under the influence.
CBD is not psychoactive, as such, it is safe to drive while using CBD and it is not tested for in roadside or hospital drug tests.
If you are using medicinal cannabis, it is important to be aware of the potential effects on your ability to drive and operate machinery. Some strains of cannabis can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and reduced reaction time, which can all affect your ability to drive safely. It is recommended to wait at least several hours after using cannabis before driving, and ideally until the effects have completely worn off.
Ultimately, the safest option to avoid driving or operating machinery altogether if you have used cannabis, whether for medicinal or recreational purposes. If you need to travel, consider alternative modes of transport such as public transport or ride-sharing services.
The rules regarding travelling with medicinal cannabis products vary depending on the country or state you are travelling to and from. In general, it is important to research the laws and regulations of the destination before travelling.
In Australia, patients who are authorised to use medicinal cannabis are allowed to travel within the country with their medication, as long as they have the necessary permits and paperwork. Patients are required to carry a valid prescription or authorisation for medicinal cannabis, as well as a letter from their healthcare provider that explains the need for the medication and the dosage required. It is important to check with the airline or transportation company ahead of time to determine any additional requirements or restrictions.
When travelling overseas with medicinal cannabis products, it is important to research the laws and regulations of the destination country beforehand. Some countries may allow the use of medicinal cannabis, while others may have strict laws and regulations that prohibit its use. Due to the varying laws regarding cannabis in other countries we do not recommend travelling overseas with your medication without discussing with the appropriate authorities prior to travel
We accept referrals via email at doctors@harmonymed.com.au. We accept referrals from doctors and other health practitioners, additionally patients are able to self refer. Please ensure they meet our eligibility criteria for a prescription prior to referral
Please include the patient’s contact details such as name, phone number and email. Please include a summary of their current diagnosis and symptoms, their past medical and surgical history, medication list and allergies
Yes, we request consent from patients to liaise with their health practitioners and endeavour to have a collaborative approach with all personnel involved in their treatment.
If you are interested in joining the team at Harmony please send an email to adm@harmonymed.com.au.
At Harmony, we're passionate about empowering patients to take control of their health and well-being.
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