Compassionate
Access Program
Compassionate
Access Program
The COMPASS Program by the Australian Medical Cannabis Association aims to support patients encountering challenges in accessing medicinal cannabis due to clinical or financial obstacles.
The COMPASS Program by the Australian Medical Cannabis Association aims to support patients encountering challenges in accessing medicinal cannabis due to clinical or financial obstacles.
Guided by Leading Associations & Participating Brands
A centralised system led by AMCA with support from Cannabis Clinicians Australia (CCA), the Australian Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) and the Australian Cannabis Pharmacists Association (ACPA) to streamline access, ensuring efficiency and consistent support for patients.
Streamlined Support for Patients in Need
The Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA), with support from Cannabis Warehouse, has initiated the COMPASS Program, a compassionate access scheme aimed at centralising and enhancing the supply of medicinal cannabis for patients in need across Australia. This initiative addresses the scattered approach previously taken by several companies, streamlining efforts to ensure a more effective distribution of medicinal cannabis resources.
Current Compassionate Access Schemes
Managed by individual brands; inconsistent patient support and varying discounts.
Current Challenge for Patients
Inconsistent outcomes, partial assistance, restricted durations, and varying discount rates.
CURRENT ENGAGEMENT FROM BRANDS
Many medicinal cannabis brands lack resources to efficiently handle compassionate initiatives.
Why Choose COMPASS?
Medicinal cannabis prescribers can apply for support through COMPASS for any patient experiencing financial hardship.
Medicinal cannabis producers can contribute either products or funds to maintain a consistent supply for patients who may not have the financial means to afford their treatments.
This well-organised scheme is designed to meticulously manage the design, planning, allocation, and distribution of medicinal cannabis, thus ensuring its smooth operation and wide-reaching impact.
The COMPASS program not only aims to provide relief to patients but also fosters collaboration among businesses in the industry, enhancing overall access to medicinal cannabis under regulated, ethical, and sustainable practices.
COMPASS Program Criteria
Clinical & Financial Hardship
A clinical picture and financial hardship must be presented and approved by the review panel.
STABILITY ON MEDICINAL CANNABIS
Patients must already be stable on medicinal cannabis before applying.
LIMITED RESOURCE PROGRAM
Patients are to be informed that limited resources and care can only be guaranteed in six- month intervals.
STOCK EXPIRY
Donated stock should ideally have a shelf life of more than three months.
PARTICIPATION
AMCA and non-AMCA prescribers may apply on behalf of their patients. Member and Non-member companies can donate stock
