RSL Welcomes DVA Action on Medicinal Cannabis
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ introduction of a new Medicinal Cannabis Framework to protect veterans from over-prescribing and other controversial practices of telehealth cannabis companie
The changes are effective from 16 February 2026 and are in line with the safe prescribing practices introduced by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in July 2025.
The new Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Framework also follows concerns raised by the RSL that some vulnerable veterans had been targeted by telehealth cannabis companies using social media and text message marketing, then mailed unsafe, high-potency products after only a short online or telephone consultat
RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM said since 2018, veterans had been able to access DVA funding for prescribed medicinal cannabis to manage chronic pain and a range of other conditions, subject to eligibility and individual assessment.
“Concerningly, we’ve received reports of telehealth consultations with veterans resulting in regular deliveries of cannabis products well above dosages required or requested, and without any assessment or oversight by the veteran’s regular doctor. In some cases, it has been reported that excess products have been sold on the black market,” Peter Tinley said.
“A report on the ABC tonight of allegations of illegal practices concerning medical providers paying kickbacks to advocates to refer veterans for cannabis prescriptions is extremely concerning and requires further investigation by DVA.
Under the new framework, medicinal cannabis must be prescribed by medical practitioners who have specialist registration with AHPRA, and in-person consultations are required for changes in prescriber and prescription increases.
A daily dosage cap and THC concentration limits for dried herb products based on evidence of benefit have also been introduced.
Peter Tinley said importantly, DVA would continue to assess individual claims from veterans, with no change to eligibility or the range of conditions that can be funded, determined by research evidence demonstrating a benefit.
Capsules and liquid medicinal cannabis can be funded, but not gummies, pastilles and other oral formulations. This aims to avoid accidental harm to children and animals.
The RSL has been advised that the changes are designed to ensure veterans receive professional and considered medical advice and that they are prescribed dosages and product types that are safe and effective. A six-month transition period will give veterans who have had their prescriptions funded in the past 12 months, time to find a new doctor, if necessary, and to continue to fill their current prescriptions.
“The RSL applauds these new measures. They will provide appropriate safeguards and protect veterans from harm resulting from exploitative practices, while still giving access to DVA funding for prescribed medicinal cannabis necessary to manage pain and a range of chronic conditions,” Peter Tinley said.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT – RSL AUSTRALIA: media@rsl.org.au