Medicinal Cannabis Patients – Preferences & Perspectives.
With the medicinal cannabis landscape continuously evolving, the way patients interact with alternative medicines is changing — and quickly. Where patients previously had limited choices, they now have a variety of provider options, allowing for more informed, confident, and far more selective patients.
As such, clinics and dispensaries can no longer rely on medicinal cannabis being a novelty treatment time to retain patients. Experience, trust, and communication now play a much bigger role in how patients choose and stay with their chosen provider.
Prioritising Patient Care
With medicinal cannabis access becoming a more accepted consideration amongst prescribers alongside an increase in market entrants, patients are becoming less attached to specific brands. Instead, prioritising individualised care that feels appropriate, balanced and tailored to them.
Patients want to know that recommendations are based on their individual needs, not commercial preferences. When advice feels objective and considered, trust follows naturally.
For clinics, this means the focus needs to sit firmly on clinical guidance and patient care, where being brand-agnostic isn’t just good practice — it’s increasingly what patients expect.
More Patient Options
Patients today are far more confident switching providers if something doesn’t feel right. Not only do patients have more choices available, but there’s increased competition within the industry as to which providers can support patients with both speed and ease. As such, patients are far more informed and have taken to comparing and sharing their experiences with clinics and products alike in communities such r/MedicalCannabisAus and r/ausents on Reddit.
Patients are increasingly comparing providers based on experiences, not just availability, and things like how clearly a provider explains their process, or how supported a patient feels during and between consultations all matter in a time where even small frustrations can be enough for a patient to swap providers.
Patients often weigh up clinics based on:
Ease of booking and attending consultations
Quality of communication from admin and clinical teams
Consultation quality, and whether they feel personalised or rushed
Given the demographic and high consideration nature of medicinal cannabis, clinics should respond to both positive and negative reviews as that signals accountability and patient care beyond the appointment.
Prescriber & Patient Relationships
With the rise of telehealth and streamlined care models, the relationship between prescriber and patient is now more important than ever, and remains one of the strongest drivers of trust.
Medicinal cannabis patients often have a long history of trying different approaches, and value prescribers who listen, explain things clearly, and understand their journey.
As such, it's imperative for clinics and prescribers to prioritise this relationship and important patient considerations including seeing the same prescriber or at least feeling that their history is well documented, helping patients feel more confident and comfortable with their care.
Support Through Education
The medicinal cannabis industry is highly regulated, limiting the ability of providers to promote or educate directly to consumers. As a result, patient education is often self-led or heavily practitioner-supported, with patients relying on their healthcare provider to fill information gaps and expecting clear, transparent communication. By setting realistic expectations during consultations, taking the time to explain what’s happening and why, and reinforcing this information through ongoing follow-up helps patients feel confident and supported.
When providers invest in structured aftercare such as nurse-led treatment reviews, timely appointment reminders, and multiple touchpoints between consultations, they build a sense of trust amongst their patients. Offering complimentary nurse consultations between prescriber appointments allows questions to be addressed quickly, prevents confusion, and reassures patients that support is always accessible. Providers that prioritise education, continuity, and clear communication create stronger and more supported, long-term patient relationships.
Adapting & Moving Forward
As the medicinal cannabis industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear, patients are choosing prescribers based on how the experience feels, not just how quickly they can book an appointment. Given the demographic and high consideration nature of medicinal cannabis, responding to both positive and negative reviews is critical.
With the patient demographic shifting and increasing, more and more patients and prescribers are starting to see the therapeutic effects of medicinal cannabis in assisting chronic health conditions and are looking for long term support and assistance accordingly.
Medicinal cannabis patients aren’t looking for more choice. They’re looking for care that is clear, accessible, and consistent. Clinics that take a brand-agnostic approach, support timely access to prescribed medicines, and offer practical guidance beyond the initial consultation are more likely to build long-term trust.
Simple measures, such as complimentary nurse consults between doctor appointments, allow patient questions to be addressed quickly, reduce friction, and support confidence throughout the care journey. Clinics that respond to these expectations ensure they’re building loyalty over time.
Learn More
EQWELLIBRIYUM offers end-to-end consulting for organisations navigating the medicinal cannabis market in Australia. With strategic insights and operational frameworks that are designed to help you thrive, we’re here to help you. Learn more by contacting us today at hello@eqwellibriyum.com.