What this means
- Most existing DVA-funded patients may continue their current plan during DVA’s transition period (to 31 Aug 2026) if they meet DVA’s criteria.
- If you are new to medicinal cannabis, changing prescriber, or moving from Tier 1 to Tier 2, DVA may require an in-person appointment for DVA-funded access.
- DVA-funded options are more specific (for example, capsules/oils, and strict limits for dried herb).
- Valour Health will guide you through the DVA-funded pathway where eligible, and can also discuss private options where suitable.
Changes to funding frameworks can create uncertainty – especially when you’re focused on symptom relief and continuity of care. On 16 February 2026, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) implemented an updated Medicinal Cannabis Framework for DVA-funded medicinal cannabis through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS).
This article explains how the Framework works, the key changes now in effect, the transition (“grandfathered”) arrangements for some existing patients, and how Valour Health will continue to support veterans.
How can veterans access DVA-funded medicinal cannabis (RPBS)?
Medicinal cannabis may be funded by DVA under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) in line with DVA’s Medicinal Cannabis Framework. If an APHRA registered specialist determines medicinal cannabis may be clinically appropriate, and meet the RPBS, DVA health conditions and 2-tier classification criteria, they can submit an application to DVA with the intended treatment plan. DVA assesses each request case-by-case based on the information provided.
To be considered for RPBS funding, DVA requires that:
- patients hold a DVA (veteran) Card that covers treatment for a listed health condition under the framework, and
- evidence-based standard treatments for that condition have been tried (where appropriate) and have not been effective.
Gold and Orange Card holders may be eligible for RPBS medicinal cannabis prescriptions for all conditions. For White Card holders, RPBS prescriptions must relate to an accepted condition covered by the card.
Health conditions DVA will consider funding medicinal cannabis for:
- chronic pain
- chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- palliative care indications
- anorexia and wasting associated with chronic illness such as cancer
- spasticity from neurological conditions
- refractory paediatric epilepsy
DVA’s 2-tier classification process is based on the number of products and total THC dose per day (Tier 1 vs Tier 2), which determines the application pathway and documentation required.
What is the difference?
| Criteria | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
| Number of products | The eligible DVA client is receiving a maximum of 2 products at any one time. | The eligible DVA client is receiving up to 3 products at any one time. |
| Total dosage | The eligible DVA client is receiving 40 mg or less of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in any product or products per day. | The eligible DVA client is receiving a total of more than 40 mg per day of THC across all products. |
Any criteria are met in both Tier 1 and Tier 2, then the request is Tier 2.
Tier 2 applications require a written specialist assessment (non-GP) confirming medicinal cannabis’s clinical benefit for the specified condition.
If you want to learn more, Valour’s team of specialists in natural therapies will discuss your condition, symptoms and DVA criteria to see if you’re eligible for funded treatment inline with the DVA Medicinal Cannabis Framework.
Changes to DVA framework
So, what’s changed since 16th of February 2026? We’ve simplified the DVA announcement so it’s clear and concise for our patients.
1) Product and dosage limitations
For eligible patient not covered by grandfathered arrangements (scroll down for more), DVA states it will only fund:
- oral medicinal cannabis in capsules and liquid preparations (but not edibles such as pastilles/gummies)
- dried herb products with THC concentration ≤ 25%
- total dried herb ≤ 2 g/day across all dried herb products
- up to a maximum of 3 products prescribed per patient in Tier 2
DVA will only fund products that exclusively list CBD and/or THC as the labelled active ingredient. DVA does not fund products with other cannabinoids (e.g., CBG/CBN/THCV) listed as active ingredients.
2) In-person consultations
DVA now requires in-person consultations for funding approval in certain scenarios:
- DVA requires an initial in-person consultation between the veteran and prescriber for:
- a first-time medicinal cannabis prescription,
- changing to a new prescriber, or
- any change that results in an increase from Tier 1 to Tier 2.
DVA considers travel for treatment may be available to assist veterans to attend in-person appointments.
3) Prescriber requirements
For DVA to consider funding, the treating medical practitioner must confirm they have specialist registration with AHPRA and that assessment/prescribing aligns with AHPRA guidance for medicinal cannabis prescribing.
Existing patients & “grandfathered arrangements”
If you’re a patient who had a DVA-funded medicinal cannabis prescription dispensed between 16 February 2025 and 15 February 2026 are covered under ‘grandfathered’ arrangements.
‘Grandfathered’ patients have until 31 August 2026 to work with their prescriber to make any necessary changes to keep accessing DVA-funded products in line with the updated Products/Dosage framework. From 1 September 2026, DVA will only fund products in line with the Products/Dosage section from appropriately qualified specialists for all eligible clients. You can find out more about grandfathered arrangements here.
Any Valour patient who is covered under the ‘grandfathered’ agreement can speak with their doctor about these changes and how best to tailor their treatment plan prior to 1 September 2026.
What if I’m not eligible for DVA funding?
If your clinical plan isn’t fundable under DVA Medicinal Cannabis Framework, or doesn’t suit your circumstances, your specialist can discuss private (non-funded) options where clinically appropriate. We will explain these options clearly so you understand the pathway and costs before proceeding.
How Valour Health supports veterans
Valour Health is a veteran-focused and specialist-led clinic. Initially a telehealth clinic – we will be expanding our service to offer in-person consultations nationally and align our processes with DVA’s updated Framework and to support continuity of care and access to all veterans.
Our mission isn’t changing; giving back to those who served and empowering our veterans with accessible natural healthcare. Regardless of funding and barriers, we believe in prioritising well-being above all else.
Our team of specialists is experienced in DVA requirements and application processes, so they’ll discuss your options in detail with you.
If you have any questions, don’t ever hesitate to contact us or bring them up in your next appointment.
Disclaimer: This information is general and does not replace medical advice. Funding decisions remain with DVA and are assessed case-by-case.
