The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) introduced significant changes to its Medicinal Cannabis Framework on 16 February 2026.
The changes affect who can prescribe DVA-funded medicinal cannabis, how veterans access treatment, the types of products that can be funded, and the maximum doses DVA will approve. Existing patients have a transition period until 31 August 2026, while new patients must comply with the new rules immediately.
Why Did DVA Change the Medicinal Cannabis Rules in 2026?
According to DVA, the updated framework is designed to improve patient safety, support evidence-based prescribing, align with Quality Use of Medicines principles, and ensure medicinal cannabis is prescribed appropriately for eligible veterans.
The changes also follow increased scrutiny of medicinal cannabis prescribing practices across Australia and place greater emphasis on face-to-face assessments, ongoing monitoring, and specialist oversight.
New DVA Medicinal Cannabis Rules: Key Changes for Veterans
Face-to-Face Appointments Required for DVA Medicinal Cannabis
One of the most significant changes is that veterans seeking DVA-funded medicinal cannabis must attend an in-person consultation when:
- Starting DVA-funded medicinal cannabis for the first time
- Changing to a new prescriber
- Moving from a Tier 1 application to a Tier 2 application
This means telehealth-only prescribing models are no longer sufficient for many DVA-funded medicinal cannabis applications.
Who Can Prescribe DVA-Funded Medicinal Cannabis?
One area that has caused confusion following the 2026 DVA Medicinal Cannabis Framework changes is who can actually prescribe DVA-funded medicinal cannabis.
The answer is that the prescriber must be a medical practitioner with specialist registration. For most veterans, this means a vocationally registered GP (FRACGP or FACRRM) or a relevant medical specialist.
Importantly, DVA does not specifically require the prescriber to be an Authorised Prescriber. However, the doctor must still comply with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements for prescribing medicinal cannabis.
In practice, this means the prescribing doctor must:
- Be a vocationally registered GP (FRACGP or FACRRM) or relevant medical specialist
- Comply with TGA medicinal cannabis prescribing requirements
- Prescribe via either:
- The Authorised Prescriber pathway; or
- The Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B) pathway
- Meet all DVA Medicinal Cannabis Framework requirements
For veterans, the practical takeaway is simple:
✅ A fellowed GP can prescribe DVA-funded medicinal cannabis
✅ A medical specialist can prescribe DVA-funded medicinal cannabis
✅ The doctor can use either the Authorised Prescriber or SAS-B pathway
❌ Non-vocationally registered doctors generally cannot prescribe DVA-funded medicinal cannabis under the current framework
DVA Medicinal Cannabis Product Limits: Maximum of Three Products
Veterans can now be prescribed a maximum of three DVA-funded medicinal cannabis products at any one time.
This includes all approved medicinal cannabis products combined, regardless of formulation.
New DVA THC Limits and Medicinal Cannabis Flower Restrictions
For dried flower products:
- THC concentration must be 25% or less
- Total flower consumption cannot exceed 2 grams per day
- Products must be used with a TGA-approved vaporiser
These changes effectively place caps on both potency and quantity.
Are Medicinal Cannabis Gummies Still Funded by DVA?
No.
DVA will now only fund oral medicinal cannabis supplied as:
- Capsules
- Liquid oils
Edible products such as gummies, pastilles, wafers and similar formulations are no longer funded under the DVA framework.
Mental Health Screening and Safety Requirements for DVA Medicinal Cannabis
Prescribers are now expected to complete comprehensive assessments regarding:
- Mental health conditions
- Suicidal ideation
- Substance use disorders
- Cannabis use disorder risk
- Driving and safety considerations
These requirements are intended to improve patient safety and ensure appropriate prescribing.
What Conditions Does DVA Fund Medicinal Cannabis For?
Despite the new restrictions, DVA may still fund medicinal cannabis for eligible veterans with accepted conditions including:
- Chronic pain
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- Palliative care
- Anorexia and wasting associated with chronic illness
- Neurological spasticity
- Refractory paediatric epilepsy
Medicinal cannabis is generally not funded by DVA for mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety or depression.
Veterans are also expected to have trialled appropriate conventional treatment options before medicinal cannabis funding will be considered.
DVA Transition Period: What Existing Medicinal Cannabis Patients Need to Know
Veterans who had a DVA-funded medicinal cannabis prescription dispensed between 16 February 2025 and 15 February 2026 are covered by transition arrangements.
These veterans have until 31 August 2026 to work with their prescriber to ensure their treatment complies with the new framework.
From 1 September 2026, all patients will be required to meet the updated criteria.
If you currently receive DVA-funded medicinal cannabis, it is important to review your treatment plan before the transition period ends.
How the New DVA Medicinal Cannabis Rules Affect Veterans
The practical impact is that many veterans who previously accessed medicinal cannabis through telehealth-only services may now need to attend face-to-face appointments and review their treatment plans.
Veterans currently receiving products that exceed the new THC, dosing or product limits should speak with their prescribing doctor as soon as possible to discuss transition options.
While the changes have generated significant discussion within the veteran community, DVA continues to fund medicinal cannabis for eligible veterans. However, access is now more structured, more regulated and more closely monitored than under previous arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions About DVA Medicinal Cannabis
Can a GP Prescribe DVA-Funded Medicinal Cannabis?
Yes. A vocationally registered GP (FRACGP or FACRRM) can prescribe DVA-funded medicinal cannabis provided they comply with both DVA and TGA requirements.
Does the Prescriber Need to Be an Authorised Prescriber?
Not necessarily. The doctor can prescribe via either the Authorised Prescriber pathway or the Special Access Scheme Category B (SAS-B) pathway.
Can I Access DVA Medicinal Cannabis Through Telehealth?
In many cases, no. Veterans commencing treatment, changing prescribers, or moving from Tier 1 to Tier 2 approvals are generally required to attend a face-to-face consultation.
What Is the Maximum THC Strength DVA Will Approve?
For flower products, DVA generally limits THC concentration to 25% THC or less.
Does DVA Fund Medicinal Cannabis Gummies?
No. DVA no longer funds gummies, pastilles, wafers or similar edible medicinal cannabis products.
Does DVA Fund Medicinal Cannabis for PTSD?
Generally no. DVA does not routinely fund medicinal cannabis for PTSD, anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions under the current framework.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 DVA Medicinal Cannabis Changes
The new DVA Medicinal Cannabis Framework represents one of the most significant changes to veteran medicinal cannabis access in recent years.
For many veterans, the changes may seem confusing at first. However, with the right clinical support and guidance, accessing DVA-funded medicinal cannabis remains achievable for eligible patients.
At Aculeus, we have designed our service model around the new DVA requirements. Our doctors are vocationally registered GPs who meet the prescribing requirements under the current framework, and we can arrange the required face-to-face assessment through our growing network of local GPs across Australia.
Where clinically appropriate and permitted under the DVA framework, ongoing follow-up appointments can often be conducted via telehealth, providing veterans with the convenience of ongoing care without unnecessary travel.
Our team can assist with:
- Initial face-to-face GP assessments
- DVA medicinal cannabis applications
- Ongoing treatment reviews
- Coordination of prescriptions and approvals
- Access to local GPs for ongoing healthcare needs
- Referrals to pain, rehabilitation and other specialist services where appropriate
Most importantly, our focus is on providing long-term, sustainable care for veterans—not simply writing prescriptions.
If you are unsure how the new DVA medicinal cannabis changes affect you, our team can help guide you through the process and determine the most appropriate treatment pathway for your individual circumstances.
Whether you are new to medicinal cannabis, transitioning from another clinic, or looking for a long-term healthcare team that understands both DVA requirements and chronic pain management, Aculeus has you covered.
