Medicinal Cannabis Compassionate Use Scheme


The Medicinal Cannabis Compassionate Use Scheme provides NSW Police officers with guidelines about using their discretion not to charge adults with a terminal illness or up to three of their carers for possession of cannabis not lawfully prescribed if they are registered with the Scheme.

NSW residents who are aged 18 years and over who have a terminal illness are eligible to be registered with the Scheme, as well as up to three of their carers.

The Scheme does not supply cannabis or cannabis products or endorse the use of cannabis products not lawfully prescribed. We strongly encourage patients to seek a prescription for a cannabis medicine from their treating doctor through one of the legal pathways.  

How to register for the Medicinal Cannabis Compassionate Use Scheme 

To register for the Scheme, a medical practitioner who is registered in Australia and involved in the patient’s ongoing care must certify that the person has a terminal illness as defined by the Scheme. A person may nominate up to three carers aged 18 years and over to be registered under the Scheme, however a person may only be nominated as the carer for a maximum of three adults with a terminal illness. The registration form which must be completed by the patient and their medical practitioner is provided below.

How to check on the status of an application or update contact details 

 The Scheme is administered by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. If you have a question about your application or would like to update your contact details, please email Application.Services@facs.nsw.gov.au.