The 6-month grandfathering arrangements for DVA-funded medicinal cannabis prescriptions ended on 31 August 2026. This follows on from the update to DVA’s Medicinal Cannabis Framework (the Framework) in February 2026.
The temporary grandfathering arrangements gave Veteran Card holders who received DVA-funded medicinal cannabis prescriptions between 16 February 2025 and 15 February 2026 time to transition to the updated Framework requirements.
The end of grandfathering arrangements does not mean DVA has stopped funding medicinal cannabis. DVA continues to fund medicinal cannabis for eligible Veteran Card holders whose prescriptions meet the Framework requirements.
What this means
From 1 September 2026, all DVA-funded medicinal cannabis prescriptions must meet the requirements of the Medicinal Cannabis Framework.
- DVA will only fund prescriptions issued by a doctor with specialist registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Doctors with specialist registration include most general practitioners, pain medicine physicians, rehabilitation physicians, and anaesthetists.
- You only need to attend an in-person consultation in specific circumstances: if you are being prescribed medicinal cannabis treatment for the first time, changing to a new prescribing doctor, or increasing your prescription from Tier 1 to Tier 2. Travel assistance may be available.
- DVA will fund a maximum of three medicinal cannabis products at any one time.
- Limits apply to certain product types. For example, DVA will only fund dried herb medicinal cannabis products with a THC concentration of 25% or less.
Please note DVA does not fund medicinal cannabis for mental health conditions, including PTSD. The end of the grandfathering arrangements does not change this.
Why the Framework was updated
The Medicinal Cannabis Framework was updated to reflect changes to the evidence base, regulatory status and clinical best practice.
DVA is committed to supporting veterans' wellbeing through access to safe, high-quality health care. To support informed decision making, DVA commissioned the development of consumer medication information for veterans using medicinal cannabis.
We encourage you to discuss any questions about your treatment with your prescribing doctor and regular general practitioner (GP). Your GP plays an important role in coordinating your healthcare and ensuring treatments are aligned with your overall health needs.
Making sure your GP is aware of all treatments you're receiving, including medicinal cannabis, helps support continuity of care and reduces the risk of potential interactions with other medicines or treatments.
More information
Find out more about medicinal cannabis and read frequently asked questions about DVA’s Medicinal Cannabis Framework.
If you can’t find the information you need online, please contact DVA.