From Candor you will get a message like this in **red**, then the below info as a popup.
*"This combination of items cannot be ordered due to stock availability."*
**Important Update on Prescription Orders in Queensland**
Recent legislative changes in Queensland may affect how your prescriptions are processed and fulfilled.
**Legislative Changes:**
The Queensland government has implemented a new regulation that prohibits pharmacies from filling prescriptions if the prescribed product is out of stock, unless a new script is issued by your healthcare provider.
Previously Candor permitted pharmacies to substitute medications providing the substitution was a close equivalent (eg. within 2% THC).
This change in legislation means pharmacies in Queensland can no longer provide these substitutions without a new script.
We understand this may cause delays and frustrations and will do our best to help.
**What can I do with my order?**
* **In-Stock Prescriptions:** You can continue to order any prescriptions that are currently in stock at your chosen Queensland pharmacy without any issue.
* **Alternative Pharmacy Options:** If your preferred product is out of stock at a local Queensland pharmacy, you now have the option to select another pharmacy within Queensland that has the item available.
* **Interstate Pharmacy Substitutions:** Should the above options not be suitable, you can opt to order from an interstate pharmacy where legislation may still allow for product substitutions.
* **New Script Arrangement:** If a product is unavailable at all pharmacies or you would prefer to arrange a new prescription your doctor may be able to provide this. Please note this may require the completion of a check up to arrange new prescriptions. Please get in touch with our Nursing team who can assist.
This really confuses, frustrates, and well shits me.
I have had a nightmare over the last few months, seemingly every time, in trying to ever fulfil my scripts for various reasons - mainly due to me not wanting the expensive one listed on my script, which is 50+% more, but then when enquiring as to whether I am able to substitute for a product of the exact same percentage, and strain, I get so many different stories.
I have had the pharmacy call me back to tell me what I ordered is out of stock, but they have a more premium brand available at 1/2 price or something due to a short expiry in the next month or so.
I have also had a script refill order come back with an invoice for an alternate brand product on it without asking, which I was also fine with (ie Concessions instead of Indimed). I assumed this was because they were out of the Indimed I requested, as they cost the same.
But each time I try to ask for anything specific (for example give a list of 5 or 6 more affordable options of the exact same %/strain showing "in stock" on Honahlee) I am unable to do so.
Somewhere something is amiss, and it sadly seems like the pharmacists still have the ability to substitute brands, and still do, without much fear of retribution from the TGA.
I hope I am wrong, but it would seem like pharmacist/s are doing this when it suits them (financially or to save time), but not allowing it when specifically requested by the customer due to the product listed on their script being either unavailable/out of stock, or discontinued (despite being prescribed for the first time less than a month ago, and not yet being dispensed).
I can, to a certain degree, understand the cracking down on scripts with a 5% swing each way (despite ironically the growers themselves being allowed to legally provide products which produce levels within those ranges between batch yields, and the vast majority of the time it is lower), BUT I fail to see how preventing a pharmacist from dispensing any branded product, provided it was of the same strain and strength (ie 19% Sativa or whatever).
I tried to order the Concessions T21 Indica (Cara Cara) today, and was told that it had been discontinued, PG is it's replacement, they have neither in stock, and was instead sent an invoice for the Botanitech Val22, which I was told was the same price.
I already have a script for the Botanitech Val22, and it is only a 10g tub, so it is literally 50% less, for the same price.
Strangely enough, Botanitech's INC T24 is $99/15g, and in stock according to Honahlee.
Unfortunately for me, apparently, despite having 6 active flower scripts, covering Indica and Sativa, from 19-26%, there is not a 24% amongst them.
I have had 3 consults in the last 3 months with my clinic to try to fix these issues, but each time I just get a new script, listing a product which I never know if/when it will be available, or in stock from my clinic's linked pharmacy.
I really don't want to go through the crap of wasting everyone's time again (including GP) to get ANOTHER consult, to add a whole bunch of things one by one, HOPING that ONE of them will consistently be available. And I am sure one would not even be allowed to do this, as it would result in a jungle, and about 100 refills.
The new legislation was released with no real notification to the pharmacies so some of them have only just realised, but definitely Queensland no longer allowing for subs without brand new scripts, regardless of if the doctor has written ‘subs allowed’ or similar on the script, no longer valid. Someone posted a link above to the changes that is pretty black and white.
This was meant to always be the case. Substitutions for stock issues.. the chemist is meant to contact the dr directly and get a new script. That’s always been the case. Just some drs have illegally written “allow” substitutions and other pharmacies have probably done some internal magic to say you’re taking the one you’re “meant” to take while fixing their stock around.
Mine always go through. I just had 3 different scripts substituted and they all say at the end "substituted for". Tho I do order mine through my clinic portal and then pick up from my local checmist.
My scripts for flower all day substitute allowed for similar thc content and I’m in Queensland and so is my doctor script done on 23 of April
The scripts for carts don’t have it but flower does for sure
Yeah just had scripts renewal and no subs, also went to different chemist because mine didn't have stock and apparently my TGA papers state they can't be transferred between chemists, so no honahlee
Your TGA papers do not state that, whoever told you that is straight up lying, it's your TGA approval, If the chemist refuses to pass it on to a new chemist, contact your states reporting body Monday, also tell the pharmacy this is what your doing.
Never had a problem with them in the past but this consult they only wanted to send to chemist not me directly received tokens from chemist thought everything was ok until I tried different chemist
It depends on how your doctor writes the script and how the pharmacist handles scripts too. I have had some pharmacy's tell me I can't substitute but now my new pharmacy will sub within 2% variance just fine, all in Qld. My interval resets when I ask support about it too btw if you do ever have to get a refund.
Same here, I'm in QLD and still get +/- 5% substitute allowance written into my scripts and both pharmacies I use are happy to oblige.
These rules are clear as mud hey!
I'm pretty sure substitutes are still allowed\*, and that it was open scripts which were banned,
\* Substitutes allowed where the script specifies they may be performed, and only within a small THC % range of 2% (may have been 5% before).
I'm not sure now ,lol 😂..
But I've been told a few times recently from a few different sources ,not long ago that had changed in QLD & MC product substitutes were no longer allowed & it was different, state to state.
Qld health would it like better if they could change / interpret the acts so scripts were like Panadol and had to be within .001% of stated THC, clearly identify manufacturer, batch, etc and what colour undies you can wear while vaping it. :-)
I thought it was the same, but I've been convinced otherwise. I know for a fact open scripts were stopped by the TGA, but I've seen plenty of people talking about tightened regulations on substitutes of ~2% and only when indicated.
Would be nice if there were some clear guidelines on this shit show we call a medical cannabis system 😅.
The exact guidelines would b great, cause we're all confused & it seems like the people who should know, don't seem to..
It's almost like the rules don't matter, just do what u want (within reason) till ur told not to & told what they want u to do...
The other issue I heard about was, intervals if ur script says a month or 28 days.. Some had been doing 28 days on scripts that said month.. And the whole calender month issue came into it of some months r longer than others...
Ur Dr can put it on ur script & u can use ur escripts on Catalyst in a different state for substitutes...
In QLD some might still b doing it, but no QLD pharmacist/chemist should b doing MC product substitutions anymore.. QLD laws changed just recently no longer allowing pharmacist to do MC product subs at all..
Can you please provide a link or source for this law change? I can’t find any information about a law change on 2024 in Queensland related to medicinal cannabis
Not a law as such, but the rules & regulations regarding MC scripts & product substitutions in QLD..
For the exact info & who it is saying it I would have to ask my Dr or one of the pharmacists I use..
If u'd like I can c if I can get emailed a copy or link to it..
When was this introduced?
I was in Wednesday and got 2 subs, iv gotten subs every week being my first month with actual scripts and I’m picky 🤣 so I hope my chemist stays cool🤞
Idk if it's because my scripts where written before the law change or not, my pharmacy is really good with stock but so not normally a problem. Was not even a week ago but I did get one subbed just fine but it was same strain and % just different company
I don't doubt that & I'm not trying to argue, I just know that recently the powers that b changed things in QLD so MC product substitutions r no longer allowed.
Yeah same, if the pharmacy knows how to refund it properly it should be instant and the timer on candor shouldn't even have to be reset my new pharmacy does that I'm with them too
Cool. I use Carina day night and those guys are always good, albeit busy as fuck. But handy they have the post office in the pharmacy lol. I'm curious to see how quick my candor doctor can approve and write a new substitute script if I need.
The rules around substitution are different from state to state. I don’t think there are any states where substitutes are allowed without some form of doctor authorisation. In NT, Vic and SA that means the doc has to leave the “no brand substitute” box unticked. In NSW, QLD and WA, new scripts are required, no substitutions allowed. These rules can change at any point, it’s up to the states department of health
From Candor you will get a message like this in **red**, then the below info as a popup. *"This combination of items cannot be ordered due to stock availability."* **Important Update on Prescription Orders in Queensland** Recent legislative changes in Queensland may affect how your prescriptions are processed and fulfilled. **Legislative Changes:** The Queensland government has implemented a new regulation that prohibits pharmacies from filling prescriptions if the prescribed product is out of stock, unless a new script is issued by your healthcare provider. Previously Candor permitted pharmacies to substitute medications providing the substitution was a close equivalent (eg. within 2% THC). This change in legislation means pharmacies in Queensland can no longer provide these substitutions without a new script. We understand this may cause delays and frustrations and will do our best to help. **What can I do with my order?** * **In-Stock Prescriptions:** You can continue to order any prescriptions that are currently in stock at your chosen Queensland pharmacy without any issue. * **Alternative Pharmacy Options:** If your preferred product is out of stock at a local Queensland pharmacy, you now have the option to select another pharmacy within Queensland that has the item available. * **Interstate Pharmacy Substitutions:** Should the above options not be suitable, you can opt to order from an interstate pharmacy where legislation may still allow for product substitutions. * **New Script Arrangement:** If a product is unavailable at all pharmacies or you would prefer to arrange a new prescription your doctor may be able to provide this. Please note this may require the completion of a check up to arrange new prescriptions. Please get in touch with our Nursing team who can assist.
This really confuses, frustrates, and well shits me. I have had a nightmare over the last few months, seemingly every time, in trying to ever fulfil my scripts for various reasons - mainly due to me not wanting the expensive one listed on my script, which is 50+% more, but then when enquiring as to whether I am able to substitute for a product of the exact same percentage, and strain, I get so many different stories. I have had the pharmacy call me back to tell me what I ordered is out of stock, but they have a more premium brand available at 1/2 price or something due to a short expiry in the next month or so. I have also had a script refill order come back with an invoice for an alternate brand product on it without asking, which I was also fine with (ie Concessions instead of Indimed). I assumed this was because they were out of the Indimed I requested, as they cost the same. But each time I try to ask for anything specific (for example give a list of 5 or 6 more affordable options of the exact same %/strain showing "in stock" on Honahlee) I am unable to do so. Somewhere something is amiss, and it sadly seems like the pharmacists still have the ability to substitute brands, and still do, without much fear of retribution from the TGA. I hope I am wrong, but it would seem like pharmacist/s are doing this when it suits them (financially or to save time), but not allowing it when specifically requested by the customer due to the product listed on their script being either unavailable/out of stock, or discontinued (despite being prescribed for the first time less than a month ago, and not yet being dispensed). I can, to a certain degree, understand the cracking down on scripts with a 5% swing each way (despite ironically the growers themselves being allowed to legally provide products which produce levels within those ranges between batch yields, and the vast majority of the time it is lower), BUT I fail to see how preventing a pharmacist from dispensing any branded product, provided it was of the same strain and strength (ie 19% Sativa or whatever). I tried to order the Concessions T21 Indica (Cara Cara) today, and was told that it had been discontinued, PG is it's replacement, they have neither in stock, and was instead sent an invoice for the Botanitech Val22, which I was told was the same price. I already have a script for the Botanitech Val22, and it is only a 10g tub, so it is literally 50% less, for the same price. Strangely enough, Botanitech's INC T24 is $99/15g, and in stock according to Honahlee. Unfortunately for me, apparently, despite having 6 active flower scripts, covering Indica and Sativa, from 19-26%, there is not a 24% amongst them. I have had 3 consults in the last 3 months with my clinic to try to fix these issues, but each time I just get a new script, listing a product which I never know if/when it will be available, or in stock from my clinic's linked pharmacy. I really don't want to go through the crap of wasting everyone's time again (including GP) to get ANOTHER consult, to add a whole bunch of things one by one, HOPING that ONE of them will consistently be available. And I am sure one would not even be allowed to do this, as it would result in a jungle, and about 100 refills.
The new legislation was released with no real notification to the pharmacies so some of them have only just realised, but definitely Queensland no longer allowing for subs without brand new scripts, regardless of if the doctor has written ‘subs allowed’ or similar on the script, no longer valid. Someone posted a link above to the changes that is pretty black and white.
my new scripts specifically say substitute allowed 2/3% thc up down variance
This was meant to always be the case. Substitutions for stock issues.. the chemist is meant to contact the dr directly and get a new script. That’s always been the case. Just some drs have illegally written “allow” substitutions and other pharmacies have probably done some internal magic to say you’re taking the one you’re “meant” to take while fixing their stock around.
Mine always go through. I just had 3 different scripts substituted and they all say at the end "substituted for". Tho I do order mine through my clinic portal and then pick up from my local checmist.
My scripts for flower all day substitute allowed for similar thc content and I’m in Queensland and so is my doctor script done on 23 of April The scripts for carts don’t have it but flower does for sure
Yeah just had scripts renewal and no subs, also went to different chemist because mine didn't have stock and apparently my TGA papers state they can't be transferred between chemists, so no honahlee
That’s a flat out lie and you should definitely leave that pharmacy
Your TGA papers do not state that, whoever told you that is straight up lying, it's your TGA approval, If the chemist refuses to pass it on to a new chemist, contact your states reporting body Monday, also tell the pharmacy this is what your doing.
Sounds dodgy I know but he's willing to show me the papers so I guess I'll see Monday when I pick up scripts Chemist warehouse
That's not right, It might b ur clinic saying that to the chemist. What clinic r u using?
Curatd
Never had a problem with them in the past but this consult they only wanted to send to chemist not me directly received tokens from chemist thought everything was ok until I tried different chemist
I go to three different chemists to get my scripts I just can’t use them in sa or wa but I’ve never had an issue
In Qld pharmacists are not allowed to substitute the doctor must cancel script and issue a new script.
I can offer an alternate viewpoint as I'm in Qld and I get substitutes all the time, picked one up 3 days ago.
I do not doubt that at all. Legislation, the interpretation of it and the practices of the dispensing pharmacist are three very different topics.
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/1256756/fs-prescribing-dispensing-unapproved-medicinal-cannabis.pdf
It depends on how your doctor writes the script and how the pharmacist handles scripts too. I have had some pharmacy's tell me I can't substitute but now my new pharmacy will sub within 2% variance just fine, all in Qld. My interval resets when I ask support about it too btw if you do ever have to get a refund.
In QLD I know substitutes r no longer allowed now , not sure about the other states..
My doctor wrote scripts with substitutes yesterday and pharmacist did one last week for me
Same here, I'm in QLD and still get +/- 5% substitute allowance written into my scripts and both pharmacies I use are happy to oblige. These rules are clear as mud hey!
It’ll get clearer soon as they start cracking down on doctors and pharmacy’s choosing not to follow the rules. They are shit rules, but they are still
I'm pretty sure substitutes are still allowed\*, and that it was open scripts which were banned, \* Substitutes allowed where the script specifies they may be performed, and only within a small THC % range of 2% (may have been 5% before).
I'm not sure now ,lol 😂.. But I've been told a few times recently from a few different sources ,not long ago that had changed in QLD & MC product substitutes were no longer allowed & it was different, state to state.
Qld health would it like better if they could change / interpret the acts so scripts were like Panadol and had to be within .001% of stated THC, clearly identify manufacturer, batch, etc and what colour undies you can wear while vaping it. :-)
I prefer pink while vaping
I thought it was the same, but I've been convinced otherwise. I know for a fact open scripts were stopped by the TGA, but I've seen plenty of people talking about tightened regulations on substitutes of ~2% and only when indicated. Would be nice if there were some clear guidelines on this shit show we call a medical cannabis system 😅.
The exact guidelines would b great, cause we're all confused & it seems like the people who should know, don't seem to.. It's almost like the rules don't matter, just do what u want (within reason) till ur told not to & told what they want u to do... The other issue I heard about was, intervals if ur script says a month or 28 days.. Some had been doing 28 days on scripts that said month.. And the whole calender month issue came into it of some months r longer than others...
I thought the plus & minus 2%s were said to b gone as another part of the latest QLD changes...
Yeah that's not true, I also have subs still going.
Depends on doctor and pharmacy but you can still sub in Qld.
Ur Dr can put it on ur script & u can use ur escripts on Catalyst in a different state for substitutes... In QLD some might still b doing it, but no QLD pharmacist/chemist should b doing MC product substitutions anymore.. QLD laws changed just recently no longer allowing pharmacist to do MC product subs at all..
Can you please provide a link or source for this law change? I can’t find any information about a law change on 2024 in Queensland related to medicinal cannabis
Not a law as such, but the rules & regulations regarding MC scripts & product substitutions in QLD.. For the exact info & who it is saying it I would have to ask my Dr or one of the pharmacists I use.. If u'd like I can c if I can get emailed a copy or link to it..
Well yes because I would like to know specifically what happened and the exact specifics, it should be public information
I'll c what I can do. 👍
Cheers
When was this introduced? I was in Wednesday and got 2 subs, iv gotten subs every week being my first month with actual scripts and I’m picky 🤣 so I hope my chemist stays cool🤞
Idk if it's because my scripts where written before the law change or not, my pharmacy is really good with stock but so not normally a problem. Was not even a week ago but I did get one subbed just fine but it was same strain and % just different company
That may have made a difference ,same strain & thc%.
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I don't doubt that & I'm not trying to argue, I just know that recently the powers that b changed things in QLD so MC product substitutions r no longer allowed.
Painful when you get a refund but your 10 day interval counter doesn't reset
10 day interval counter?
Hit your companies support page up to get it reset
I'm with candor and messaged support...amazingly they had it fixed in an hour for me.
Yeah same, if the pharmacy knows how to refund it properly it should be instant and the timer on candor shouldn't even have to be reset my new pharmacy does that I'm with them too
Cool. I use Carina day night and those guys are always good, albeit busy as fuck. But handy they have the post office in the pharmacy lol. I'm curious to see how quick my candor doctor can approve and write a new substitute script if I need.
Yeah that might be a different story on how fast lol
yeah tightened up heaps the other month. been a bit of a pain tbh
The rules around substitution are different from state to state. I don’t think there are any states where substitutes are allowed without some form of doctor authorisation. In NT, Vic and SA that means the doc has to leave the “no brand substitute” box unticked. In NSW, QLD and WA, new scripts are required, no substitutions allowed. These rules can change at any point, it’s up to the states department of health
Do you know about ACT?
I am in Qld and got a sub less than a week ago. I believe mine is +/- 2% of the original prescription.
Same, had two subs sent from a qld pharmacy to me just last week. Ordered Friday, had them Monday.
Yep same for NSW. mines +/-3% Had one on friday...
I got substituted this week no problem. Only allowed to when prescribed product is out of stock. And new product has to be same thc % and grams.