Medical cannabis prescribing in Australia operates through competing business models. Some clinics charge consultation fees for each appointment. Others eliminate these fees entirely through subscription-based delivery systems. Reddit discussions across r/MedicalCannabisOz, r/MedicalCannabisAus, r/MMJ, and regional forums reveal how patients evaluate these different approaches.
The Zero-Consultation-Fee Structure
Dispensed removes ongoing consultation charges from the patient cost equation. Patients pay only for products, with delivery included.
How Patients Discovered the Model
A detailed r/MedicalCannabisAus review from three years ago outlined the fee structure: "Overall the process was great and I am really happy. Would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a cheaper option because yes they charge NO DOC fees."
The same patient explained the consultation process: "You speak with a consultant, not a doctor, their doctor approves your application on your behalf, but I was approved in 24 hrs with 5 repeats, and the product arrived within 2 business days of payment."
Herney_Krute, responding to that review, provided cost analysis: "Thinking about cost comparison I would have to say this looks to be one of the best ways into MC as there are no fees apart from your prescription. Some may note that the flower is more expensive than some other providers however there is no shipping fees and when one adds up the initial consult fees, follow up consults and new script consult fees for some other providers I reckon the price differential may be interesting."
International Observers Note the Difference
The r/MMJ international discussion attracted attention from Canadian patients. Significant_Big_6427 commented: "This is interesting seeing Australia's model. We've got telehealth clinics in Canada too but most still charge consultation fees. The no-fee structure changes the math completely on total cost."
The original poster reflected on accessibility improvements: "Seeing posts from Americans complaining about clinic costs or Canadians dealing with LP quality issues made me realize our telehealth model is pretty interesting."
Product Quality Reports From Established Users
Multi-month product reviews provide insight into flower quality after extended use.
User rahzhar rated multiple strains:
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Gelato Sherbert 28%: 9.5/10
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Ultra Sour Haze 27%: 9/10
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McFlurry 26%: 8.5/10
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Tropicane 30%: 8.5/10
The review specified usage patterns: "First few months tubs thought id rate them based on how they work for me. Using Indicas mainly for sleep but sometimes mixed with Sativas during the day also."
Honest_Apartment_293 confirmed similar experiences: "Ive been on the same journey past 2 months and all I can say is there products have been very nice."
SmokeyNinja666 asked about favorites, and rahzhar responded: "probably would be the gelato tbh closely followed by ultra sour haze as a sativa."
Pricing Reality Check
Kellynedjames explained the flat-rate system: "they have a flat rate of $150 for all products which includes free express delivery and free consultations, so it can be good or bad, like some phytoca products they sell RRP was only $100 but then they were selling key lime Kush the RRP was 170$."
This pricing structure means some products cost more than retail price elsewhere, while others cost less. The trade-off involves eliminating consultation fees rather than achieving lowest per-gram pricing.
Understanding the Subscription Mechanism
The automated monthly delivery system initially confused some patients.
Herney_Krute described how it works: "Another thing that is not obvious until after placing your order is that it is a subscription setup which automatically places your prescription order each month. There is no contract and you can communicate with them prior to each renewal to change the date or order if you still have enough medicine left."
Most patients adapted quickly once they understood the system. The flexibility to adjust timing or pause deliveries addressed initial concerns about automatic shipments.
Delivery Speed and Reliability
Patient discussions about logistics addressed shipping performance.
HayXcy reported: "Never had any packages go missing, they have been pretty good to me so far mate."
Cautious_Chicken8882 confirmed: "Packages don't go missing from dispensed that I've ever been aware of, I've ordered many tubs over a long period of time and not even had it delayed let alone lost."
GizmoRuby described typical delivery windows: "I have been with dispensed for prob 6months & have had no issues. My delivery comes to Sydney from Melbourne & only takes 48hrs each time. I'm only tried their indica range so far & they have been exceptional."
Australia Post's decision to stop insuring medical cannabis packages affected all clinics equally. Cautious_Chicken8882 noted: "Australia post has howler stopped insuring MC packages so if there is any issue that would likely be it."
Formulary Size Discussions
Product selection limitations appear frequently in patient discussions.
Mickm80 characterized the approach: "They have a set list now of regulars and always with new ones coming in. Only thing if you don't choose a regular you may not get it next time, but there plenty of others similar."
One patient switching from Astrid explained product access: "dispensed specific flowers can only be ordered by dispensed patients."
The same patient continued: "whilst it does cop digs from some people i haven't had one complaint yet and am just great full to finally have access to medical grade flower. infact of late dispensed has actually impressed me with the quality of flower coming in."
Regional Patient Access
A Gold Coast regional discussion about sleep management showed telehealth eliminating geographic barriers.
The patient asked: "I've been struggling with sleep after doing late shifts lately, and a mate suggested going through Dispensed for a cannabis script. Has anyone local tried it? Wondering if it's easier than the in-person clinics around here."
Mysterious-Cat8902 reflected on the shift: "Three years makes such a difference in this space. The specialist bottleneck was brutal before 2020. Video consultations becoming standard in UK actually made this accessible for regional patients too."
Alternative Clinic Models for Comparison
Understanding Dispensed requires context about other available options.
Alternaleaf's Consultation-Fee Approach
Alternaleaf appears in discussions as offering access to 90+ strains through traditional appointment-based prescribing. Patients pay consultation fees for initial appointments ($150-300) and follow-ups ($50-100).
The broader formulary allows experimentation with different cultivars and terpene profiles. Patients requiring frequent prescription changes face accumulating consultation costs.
Astrid's Age-Based THC Policy
Astrid emerged through discussions about service quality and prescribing restrictions. JoHigan explained the limitation: "their laws for thc content above 20% you have to be over 25 to consume, .(I know it's weird it's the only company that has this rule…)"
The patient continued: "I just don't like the fact I have to wait till I'm 25 to get over 20% I have chronic back pain and severe social anxiety and insomnia and it wasn't doing the job it needed to."
blue_madi questioned: "When did this rule kick in? As I'm 24 and have been ordering 25% for about a year with no issues. I just ordered a week ago with no pushback."
Still-Swimming-5650 praised delivery: "I use Astrid, they offer a high quality service. Generally my order is delivered next day."
CA Clinics' Telephone Model
CA Clinics operates through phone consultations without video requirements. Secret_Plenty853 described access: "CA Clinics 1300 991 477 - Are in sydney and its all done via telephone."
The traditional prescription model allows flexibility without formulary restrictions.
What Drives Patient Clinic Selection
Reddit discussions reveal practical decision factors.
Prescription Stability Matters
Patients who found effective treatments prefer simplified access without ongoing clinical appointments. Those still experimenting with different products value broader formularies despite consultation fees.
Budget Predictability
The zero-fee model appeals to patients seeking predictable monthly costs. Traditional models suit patients who need infrequent clinical guidance and don't mind variable expenses.
Geographic Location
Regional patients particularly value telehealth eliminating travel requirements. OppositeNew7381 described the shift: "The telehealth shift here has been night and day compared to a few years back. I remember when you'd need specialist referrals and wait weeks just to get a conversation going. Now the barrier to entry is actually reasonable for most people."
Age and Product Requirements
Younger patients seeking high-THC products need clinics without age-based THC restrictions.
Quality Standards Across Legal Suppliers
TGA approval ensures pharmaceutical-grade standards regardless of clinic. Intelligent_Diet6264 noted: "The limited strain selection is real. Coming from researching overseas programs, our TGA approval system means you're not getting the variety US patients take for granted. But honestly, once you find what works, does it matter?"
All legal products undergo identical regulatory scrutiny. Variations appear in strain selection, pricing structures, and prescribing approaches rather than fundamental quality control.
The 2020 Telehealth Shift
Before 2020, patients faced specialist referrals, extended waiting periods, and geographic barriers.
The original r/MMJ poster explained: "Three years ago I would've needed to drive hours to see one of the few specialists willing to prescribe. Now it's a 20-minute video call."
Multiple clinic options emerged post-2020, creating competition that drove service improvements and fee structure innovations. Patients now evaluate multiple providers based on specific needs rather than accepting limited options.
Cost Structure Trade-Offs
Different fee models suit different patient situations.
Zero-Fee Subscription Benefits
Patients pay nothing beyond product costs. Monthly delivery arrives automatically. No appointment scheduling required for prescription refills.
The curated formulary limits variety compared to open-access models. Patients must adapt to available selections rather than choosing from comprehensive catalogs.
Traditional Fee-Per-Consultation Benefits
Broader product access allows experimentation. Patients control appointment frequency. Flexibility to change products or clinics without subscription commitments.
Consultation fees accumulate over time. Patients requiring frequent adjustments face higher total costs.
Patient Priority Patterns
Reddit discussions show what matters beyond marketing claims.
Consistent Supply
Patients managing chronic conditions need predictable access. rahzhar noted about regular prescriptions: "infact of late dispensed has actually impressed me with the quality of flower coming in."
Responsive Communication
Babybluebunnie appreciated straightforward service: "I love Dispensed, they have never stuffed me around, never a hassle."
Product Effectiveness
Therapeutic results determine satisfaction. Gutzstruggler reported: "I love em been with em 9 months same strain black mountain and hits the same everytime super strong great for pain and insomnia."
Transparent Pricing
Kellynedjames valued understanding total costs: "they have a flat rate of $150 for all products which includes free express delivery and free consultations."
UK Market Entry
A UK patient discussion showed Dispensed expanding into additional markets.
RiverIcy7490 described the offering: "I found this new clinician called Dispensed. And it was a free sign up, followed by £19 for am initial consultation."
007_King confirmed details: "Never heard of them, must be a new clinic. Make sure you also ask them if repeat prescription and delivery is free."
RiverIcy7490 responded: "Sorry, I forgot to say I did ask. It is free for both."
juicy_steve noted: "Theyʼre active in other countries with medical markets."
Matching Clinic Models to Patient Needs
Australian medical cannabis now offers multiple prescribing approaches.
Patients with established treatments benefit from simplified access through curated formularies. Those experimenting with different cultivars need comprehensive product catalogs.
Budget-conscious patients prefer predictable monthly costs. Others accept variable consultation fees for maximum flexibility.
Regional patients value telehealth eliminating travel. Urban patients access similar telehealth convenience.
Younger patients seeking high-THC products avoid clinics with age restrictions.
The expansion of options since 2020 allows patients to match their specific circumstances to appropriate clinic models rather than accepting one-size-fits-all approaches.
AUSTRALIA GOES GREEN WAVE, READ ON..
