A new Four Corners investigation has raised fresh concerns about how some Australian veterans are being prescribed medicinal cannabis through for-profit healthcare providers, after one former army medic was approved for extremely high doses of THC despite limited direct contact with prescribing doctors.
The ABC investigation centres on veteran Steve Johnstone, who served as an army medic in Afghanistan and later sought treatment for chronic pain. According to Four Corners, he was prescribed large quantities of high-THC medicinal cannabis for nearly two years and at one point a doctor applied to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to increase his daily THC dose from 25mg to 1,220mg without speaking to him directly.
Three experienced medicinal cannabis prescribers consulted by Four Corners said the dose was far beyond what they would regard as acceptable. The investigation reported that Johnstone later experienced severe mental-health deterioration, including paranoia, suicidality and hospital admission.
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Why the case has drawn attention
The concern is not simply that medicinal cannabis was prescribed. The issue is the combination of very high THC exposure, a documented history of substance misuse, limited direct doctor contact and fragmented care across multiple providers.
Four Corners reported that Johnstone’s regular check-ins were often with nurses rather than prescribing doctors, while doctors at another provider were being paid by DVA to coordinate his care. The investigation also raised questions about billing, continuity of care and whether commercial incentives can distort prescribing behaviour.
The providers named in the Four Corners investigation have given responses to the ABC, and this article does not make independent findings of professional misconduct. Any regulatory or disciplinary conclusions are matters for the relevant authorities.
DVA has already tightened medicinal cannabis rules
DVA updated its Medicinal Cannabis Framework in February 2026 and ended transitional grandfathering arrangements on 31 August 2026.
From 1 September 2026, DVA-funded medicinal cannabis prescriptions must comply with the updated framework. Among the current rules:
- Prescriptions must be issued by a doctor with specialist registration through Ahpra.
- In-person consultation is required in specified situations, including when treatment begins, when a patient changes prescriber, or when treatment moves from Tier 1 to Tier 2.
- DVA will fund a maximum of three medicinal cannabis products at one time.
- Dried herb funded by DVA must have a THC concentration of 25% or less.
- Total funded dried herb is limited to 2g per day across all products.
- DVA does not fund THC gummies or other edible formulations such as pastilles.
DVA says the changes were introduced to strengthen clinical governance, support evidence-based prescribing and improve safety.
What the TGA says about medicinal cannabis
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says most medicinal cannabis products supplied in Australia are unapproved therapeutic goods. That means they are accessed through pathways such as the Special Access Scheme or Authorised Prescriber arrangements rather than having been fully evaluated and included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods for the prescribed use.
The TGA also stresses that prescribing unapproved medicinal cannabis carries clinical and regulatory responsibilities and that patients should be informed about benefits, risks and uncertainties.
High-THC treatment carries additional risk
DVA’s updated framework specifically cites concerns about higher THC concentrations and doses. In its February 2026 update, the department said there was increasing evidence of harm associated with high-concentration or high-dose THC, without sufficient evidence of added benefit.
That does not mean medicinal cannabis is inappropriate for every veteran or every chronic-pain patient. DVA continues to fund it for eligible conditions where the framework is met. But the department’s rules now place tighter limits on product numbers, concentration and dose.
Why continuity of care matters
The Four Corners investigation highlights a broader issue in telehealth and vertically integrated healthcare models: a patient may interact with one company, speak with a nurse, receive a prescription from another doctor, have treatment funded by a government agency and receive products through another linked service.
When those pieces are not well coordinated, important information about mental health, substance-use history, drug interactions and changing symptoms can be missed.
DVA says a veteran’s treating GP should remain central to care and encourages patients to make sure their GP knows about all treatments they are receiving.
What veterans using medicinal cannabis should know
- Do not stop high-dose THC treatment abruptly without medical advice, especially if you have been using it regularly.
- Ask who is actually responsible for your overall treatment plan.
- Make sure your regular GP knows what cannabis products, doses and other medicines you are using.
- If your prescription is DVA-funded, check that it complies with the current Medicinal Cannabis Framework.
- Seek urgent medical help if you experience severe paranoia, suicidal thoughts, confusion or other acute mental-health symptoms.
Sources
Therapeutic Goods Administration — Risks of unapproved medicinal cannabis products
Health disclaimer
This article is published by NextNews for general news and health information only. It does not constitute medical, clinical, legal or other professional advice and should not be used to start, stop or alter medicinal cannabis or any other treatment. Readers should obtain independent advice from an appropriately qualified health professional or other relevant adviser who can consider their individual circumstances before making treatment or other health-related decisions. Anyone concerned about their medication should speak with their treating doctor. If you or someone else is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical or mental-health emergency, seek urgent professional help.
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Disclaimer
NextNews strives for accurate news, but use it with caution—content changes often, external links may be iffy, and technical glitches happen. See the full disclaimer for details.