Two local GPs are running the private IvyMed Clinic, located in the Star Discount Chemist at Pasadena Shopping centre, providing “alternative treatments” including medicinal cannabis to those suffering from chronic pain and mental health issues.

The doctors are part of the authorised prescriber scheme which allows medical practitioners to supply products that are not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods to certain patients with particular medical conditions.

One of the clinic’s operators, Dr Sheng-Wen Cheng, said medicinal cannabis was “only considered when patients have been unable to find relief through other options”.

“So, when we see patients, they need adjunct therapy options and it’s rewarding that we are able to offer them an alternative solution to their often chronic and sometimes debilitating conditions,” Cheng said.

“We are passionate about delivering alternative treatments for our patients. We tailor therapies in an effort to alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.”

SA Health says patients can access medicinal cannabis “as a result of federal legislative changes which came into effect in November 2016 and the development of a patient access pathway”.

“Under the pathway, patients in South Australia can access medicinal cannabis on prescription from their authorised medical practitioner and dispensed by a pharmacist,” SA Health states on its website.

“The decision to consider medicinal cannabis as a treatment option is a matter for discussion between a medical practitioner and their patient, enabling consideration of the patient’s clinical information and the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis in the particular condition to be treated.”

IvyMed Clinic says it will offer in-person consultations to review patients through an eligibility test, GP referral and health summary and will then make an assessment about the appropriate treatment.