Section 21 Medical Cannabis Information
Your comprehensive guide to accessing medical cannabis in South Africa
What is Section 21?
Section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act allows for the legal use of unregistered medicines, including medical cannabis, when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider for specific medical conditions.
How to Access Medical Cannabis
1Consult a Healthcare Provider
Schedule an appointment with a licensed doctor who can prescribe medical cannabis. They will:
- Evaluate your medical condition
- Determine if medical cannabis is appropriate for your treatment
- Discuss potential benefits and risks
- Create a treatment plan if suitable
2Obtain Section 21 Authorization Letter
If your doctor determines medical cannabis is suitable, they will provide:
- Section 21 Authorization Letter - Valid for 180 days
- Doctor's details and practice number
- Specific conditions being treated
- Recommended cannabis products and dosages
3Register with Basotho Medical Herbs
Create an account on our platform:
- Provide accurate personal information
- Complete age verification (18+)
- Accept our terms and conditions
Create Account
4Upload Your Authorization Letter
Submit your Section 21 Authorization Letter through your dashboard:
- Navigate to the Medical Cannabis tab
- Upload a clear copy of your authorization letter (PDF, JPG, or PNG)
- Provide required doctor information
- Submit for verification
5Verification Process
Our medical team will verify your authorization:
- Review document authenticity
- Verify doctor credentials
- Confirm authorization is current and valid
- Typically completed within 24-48 hours
6Obtain Your Prescription
After authorization approval, obtain a prescription from your doctor:
- Specific products and quantities
- Dosage instructions
- Valid prescription period
7Shop Medical Cannabis Products
Once approved, you can:
- Browse our medical-grade cannabis products
- Place orders according to your prescription
- Receive secure, discreet delivery
- Track your orders and prescriptions
Important Requirements
Authorization Letter Must Include:
- Doctor's full name and practice number
- Patient's full name (matching your account)
- Medical conditions being treated
- Recommended cannabis products or cannabinoid ratios
- Issue date (valid for 180 days)
- Doctor's signature and practice stamp
Prescription Requirements:
- Issued after Section 21 authorization approval
- Specific products and quantities
- Clear dosage instructions
- Valid prescription period
- Doctor's signature
Conditions Commonly Treated with Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis may be prescribed for conditions including:
- Chronic pain
- Nausea and vomiting (especially from chemotherapy)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- HIV/AIDS-related symptoms
- Cancer-related symptoms
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Palliative care
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Your doctor will determine if medical cannabis is appropriate for your specific condition.
Legal Framework
Medicines and Related Substances Act (Act 101 of 1965)
Section 21 allows for:
- Use of unregistered medicines for specific patients
- Prescription by registered medical practitioners
- Legal possession and use of prescribed medical cannabis
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights:
- Access to medical cannabis with valid authorization
- Privacy and confidentiality of medical information
- Quality, pharmaceutical-grade products
- Clear dosage and usage instructions
Your Responsibilities:
- Use only as prescribed by your healthcare provider
- Do not share your medication with others
- Store securely away from children and pets
- Renew authorization and prescriptions before expiry
- Report any adverse effects to your doctor
Privacy and Security
We take your medical privacy seriously:
- All medical information is encrypted and stored securely
- HIPAA-compliant data protection
- Medical information accessible only to authorized verification staff
- Discreet packaging and delivery
- No sharing of medical information for marketing purposes
Renewal Process
Section 21 authorizations are valid for 180 days. To renew:
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor
- Doctor evaluates your treatment progress
- New authorization letter issued if treatment continues
- Upload new authorization through your dashboard
- Continue receiving medical cannabis with new prescription
Need Help?
Our team is here to assist you:
- Medical Verification Team: section21@basothomedicalherbs.ls
- General Support: support@basothomedicalherbs.ls
- Phone: +27 XX XXX XXXX
Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does verification take?
Authorization letter verification typically takes 24-48 hours during business days.
Can I use my authorization at multiple pickup points?
Your Section 21 authorization allows you to obtain medical cannabis from any licensed pickup point in South Africa.
What if my doctor is unfamiliar with Section 21?
We can provide your doctor with resources and information about the Section 21 process. Contact our support team.
Is my medical information kept confidential?
Yes. All medical information is encrypted, stored securely, and accessible only to authorized medical verification staff.
Can I order medical cannabis products without a prescription?
No. A valid prescription is required for each order of medical cannabis products, in addition to your Section 21 authorization.
What happens if my authorization expires?
You will need to obtain a new authorization letter from your doctor and submit it for verification before continuing to purchase medical cannabis products.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition.
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