Australia Issues 50,000 Medicinal Cannabis Approvals for Youth

Young Australians aged 25 and under have received tens of thousands of medicinal cannabis approvals since 2016.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Youth

Flat gouache-painted illustration of an amber tincture bottle with a glass dropper, representing medical treatment access in Australia. — The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved over 50,000 medicinal cannabis prescriptions for Australians aged 25 and under since 2016. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Between 2016 and 2024, the Therapeutic Goods Administration issued over 50,000 medicinal cannabis approvals to Australians aged 25 and under. The data reflects a significant rise in usage, with general practitioners serving as the primary prescribers for these patients.

Why it matters

The widespread use of these treatments highlights a significant shift in medical management for youth experiencing conditions such as anxiety and chronic pain. Access to these products is increasingly facilitated through specialised online clinics and vertical prescribing models.

Anxiety accounts for 43 per cent of approvals, followed by chronic pain at 28 per cent and neurodevelopmental conditions at 10 per cent. Notably, 10 per cent of all approvals were granted to children under the age of 15.

The players

Therapeutic Goods Administration

This is the Australian government authority responsible for the regulation, assessment, and monitoring of medicines and medical devices.

University of Melbourne

This public research institution is a major hub for medical and health science studies within Australia.

The details

Children under 15 are frequently prescribed oil formulations with high cannabidiol levels, while older teens often receive tetrahydrocannabinol-heavy inhaled products. Many patients access these prescriptions via online clinics where prescribers are directly employed by the product supplier.

Approvals were granted between 2016 and 2024.
A considerable rise in approval rates began in 2021.

Culture Shift

The transition to medicinal cannabis represents a movement away from traditional pharmaceutical reliance for chronic conditions among youth. This trend mirrors broader societal shifts toward alternative wellness practices and decentralised medical care models.

For families navigating these treatment options, the availability of online clinics provides a streamlined, albeit different, experience compared to traditional doctor visits. Parents should remain aware that prescribing models vary, particularly regarding the use of oil versus inhaled products.

The takeaway

The sharp increase in medicinal cannabis prescriptions reflects an evolving approach to managing complex conditions in younger populations. Families should consult with independent healthcare professionals to understand the long-term implications of these specific treatment modalities.