Qualifying for Medical Marijuana in Austria

Updated on April 18, 2018. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer

Although many countries impose strict requirements on the qualification process for medical marijuana, Austrian laws are more liberal. Individuals seeking a form of cannabis therapy can use marijuana for medicinal uses without generating too much debate. Since statutes surrounding cultivation and distribution are stricter than general use laws, it’s essential for residents to understand the qualification process of medical marijuana to remain within legal parameters.

Medical Marijuana Qualifications in Austria

In Austria, citizens are not limited to accessing medical marijuana on the basis of select medical conditions or diseases. Instead, every individual is legally permitted to possess up to 5 grams of cannabis for personal use when they purchase it from a certified health official.

It’s important for medical patients to consult with a doctor before deciding to seek cannabis therapy. Some of the conditions that may benefit from the use of cannabis-related products include:

Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Epilepsy
Cancer
Arthritis

Any individual suffering from symptoms or conditions cannabis can treat should meet with a doctor or healthcare professional to discuss the correct dosage and treatment plans.

How to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient in Austria

Although Austria does not dictate the need for government registration or the possession of an official medical marijuana card, it’s essential to keep the following steps in mind:

Reach Out to a Certified Physician: The Health Ministry is the sole organization with lawful allowance to cultivate cannabis in excessive amounts. To access the medication you may need as a patient, be sure to consult with a certified doctor to receive the recommendations necessary for your cannabis products.
Discuss Your Options: It’s recommended to consult with a certified professional to discuss your condition and therapeutic options. A physician may be able to assist you choosing the right dosage for your health while giving you valuable advice on healthy marijuana practices.

Cannabis is considered a drug when it contains more than 0.3% THC so it’s essential to receive a doctor recommendation and prescription whenever necessary.

How to Access Medical Marijuana in Austria

Currently, Austria’s health and food safety body, AGES, is the sole organization with legal rights to cultivate medical marijuana plants. However, despite the passing of the 2008 law that lawfully approved the cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes, individuals still find it challenging to access government-sanctioned cannabis medication.

Anyone who wants to import synthetic cannabis preparation must receive a prescription from a licensed physician first. Dronabinol targets nausea, which is common for patients with HIV or cancer. Sativex targets muscles spasms and neuropathic pain, which assists those who have multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system disorders.

Medical marijuana patients are not legally allowed to grow marijuana plants in excess. They are also prohibited from sharing or distributing any cannabis products. Prescriptions grant patients better access to the medical marijuana they need without facing legal repercussions.

Legal Protection for Medical Marijuana Patients in Austria

All medical marijuana patients are legally allowed to import various synthetic cannabis products to alleviate the symptoms of their conditions. With a prescription from a certified doctor, patients are lawfully allowed to access the medicine they need.

Under the law that decriminalized the use of medical marijuana, patients can legally access cannabis without facing legal repercussions. However, medical patients are not legally protected when it comes to the cultivation of the plant. Any individual growing excessive amounts of cannabis or found distributing their marijuana will face jail time and an accompanying fine.

Learn More About Accessing Medical Cannabis at MarijuanaDoctors.com

At MarijuanaDoctors.com, we assist patients with all their marijuana inquiries every day. Our extensive directory helps connect individuals to licensed, knowledgeable physicians who can help them access alternative medicine.

Be sure to stay up-to-date on all of the latest medical marijuana laws and news in your country by checking out resource library or blog!