First medicinal cannabis shipment arrives in Perth

Medicinal cannabis delivered to Australia. PIC: Supplied

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. 

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