Medicinal cannabis health centre, pharmacy to open at Sunshine Coast

A medical centre and pharmacy specialising in medicinal cannabis is opening on the Sunshine Coast and at Noosa Heads. SEE HOW IT WILL WORK

A kidney cancer survivor’s goal to make medicinal cannabis more accessible is a step closer to becoming a reality with the opening of a specialist health centre on the Sunshine Coast.

Releaf Clinic opens at Caloundra next month with 15 doctors specialising in prescribing medicinal cannabis in oil or leaf form to help relieve pain, stress and anxiety.

Releaf Group CEO Gary Mackenzie said before the clinic even opened 200 people inquired for appointments.

Releaf Group CEO Gary Mackenzie are looking forward to opening their medicinal cannabis dispensary and clinic at the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Tegan Annett

He said the company wanted to simplify access to medicinal cannabis through its clinics as well as offer orthodox medical services, pharmacies and retail shops with supplements and health foods.

Mr Mackenzie said Caloundra and Noosa were among the first Queensland sites chosen due to the high patient demand.

The Bulcock St facility will have a traditional medical centre with GPs and a pharmacy stocking medicinal cannabis in flower and oil form as well as other supplements.

“We’re rolling this out on beachside locations because we’re following that Australian culture and lifestyle,” Mr Mackenzie said.

“We know there are thousands of Queenslanders who are looking for a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare.”

While he has experienced the benefits of the natural medicine first-hand, Mr Mackenzie said it was not for everyone.

He said doctors would consider if a person’s condition could be helped with medicinal cannabis.

Releaf Group northern states manager Matthew Nicholson and CEO Gary Mackenzie are looking forward to opening their medicinal cannabis dispensary and clinic at the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Tegan Annett

“While our doctors are trained in medicinal cannabis prescribing and our pharmacists are also trained in its use, medicinal cannabis is only one potential therapeutic option for patient health conditions and suitability is based on an individual basis in consultation with the doctor,” Mr Mackenzie said.

Under Australian law doctors have been able to supply medicinal cannabis to patients for specific medical conditions since 2016.

Mr Mackenzie had used opiates for 18 months while he had kidney cancer before he started to use CBD oil for pain relief instead.

“You just feel so much better off,” he said.

“In comparison to opiates which are so addictive … it was a real shock to come off that.”

He said it could also help people with sleep disorders, Parkinson’s disease, severe epilepsy and anxiety.

Releaf provides telehealth consultations with clinic doctors via phone and video chat for those not living close to a clinic.

It will also open a clinic at Hastings St, Noosa next month.

They also hope to open clinics at Maroochydore and Mooloolaba, with estimates that 100 sites will open across Australia within three years.

For more information about Releaf Clinics click here.

Originally published as Medicinal cannabis health centre, pharmacy to open at Sunshine Coast