FAQs
What days do you work?
I run a clinic every Monday. Please understand that I am not a big clinic and prefer to offer a smaller, more personalised service.
I can be hard to get on the telephone as most workdays I either have it on silent as I am with patients or I am talking on it to patients. Email is preferred as it allows me to keep track of things too. I am usually available most days via email for easy and quick questions – medcannanp@gmail.com
Note: I do not work Fridays.
Do you see patients all over Australia?
Yes. All telehealth consultations are via Coviu - which is a secure telehealth platform. You do not need to download software for this, you can access it through a browser (works best in Chrome). The link will be in your appointment booking once confirmed.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse Practitioners are Registered Nurses who have undertaken extensive post graduate studies (Masters level) and clinical training and have the ability to diagnose conditions and prescribe medicines. We are not Doctors as we sit within a nursing framework, although we share some commonalities. Nurse Practitioners have been in Australia for 21 years and we are growing as a workforce. You will usually find us in specialised areas such as Palliative Care, Wound Care, Emergency, Alcohol and Drugs etc.
NPs have a high degree of systems literacy and can independently manage care across a variety of health systems to maximise outcomes. NPs engage in support of systems; complex and critical thinking; integrate information and/or evidence; judiciously use clinical investigations; and skilfully and empathetically communicate with all involved in the care episode, including the person receiving care and their family and community, and health professional colleagues. (Nurses Board of Australia, Professional Standards Nurse Practitioner)
My specialty is with complex and chronic health conditions including chronic pain. I also work within the public health system. In the last two years I have focused intensely on using cannabinoid therapies to treat many chronic and long-term conditions.
You can read more about Nurse Practitioners in Australia here - acnp.org.au
What happens during my first consultation?
It is basically a long chat. I want to hear your story and what brings you here. I will ask you specific questions around your particular conditions. Endocannabinoid medicine is a little different to normal medicine as we are not treating your injury as such, we are treating your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and trying to help your ECS better modulate or regulate other systems/organs and chemicals in your body (whatever isn’t working – ie: pain, inflammation, anxiety etc).
I may look at/examine parts of you but there are no invasive examinations and you will not need to take any part of your clothes off.
Can I drive if I am using medical cannabis?
It is illegal to drive in Australia (except for Tasmania) with THC in your system. You can read more about the changes to driving laws that are needed at the Drive Change campaign website and sign the petition.