The first two commercial shipments of medicinal cannabis products to be legally imported into Australia have arrived in Melbourne and Perth.
The shipments of cannabis oil, both from Canada, are the first under the federal government's new policy to allow controlled importation of medicinal cannabis for approved patients.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said children suffering from epilepsy and patients dealing with side effects caused by cancer treatment are most likely to benefit from the products if a doctor believes the patient has a medical need and has approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
"The new importation rules are making medicinal cannabis products more readily accessible to Australian doctors where they believe it can provide a clinical benefit to their patients."
"The arrival of imported products and the growth in the domestic supply and manufacture market gives doctors more options than ever before for treating their patients."
More shipments are expected to arrive in Australia throughout May.
Mandurah teacher who raped student to remain on bail
Man charged after allegedly exposing himself to girl on Transperth bus in Lakelands
Fire rips through Golden Bay home
Firefighters battle bushfire near Nambeelup
Alcoa Children's Festival cancelled due to severe weather
Man charged over crime rampage from Furnissdale to Kwinana
Damaging winds forecast for Harvey, Dwellingup, Pinjarra
Southern suburbs man claims $15 million Lotto win after eventually answering life-changing call from Lotterywest
Two women taken to hospital after Kwinana Freeway crash