Skip to content

VETERINARIANS

Your one stop shop for prescribing medicinal cannabis with detailed information about applications, indications, dosage, research, and education.

Prescribing medicinal cannabis

Currently, the only way patients may legally access medicinal grade cannabis is through a Section 21 application. 

ONLINE FORM
PRINT FORM

How we can help

Section 21 Application and Logistics

We have developed a simple portal (which may be used either on or offline) that automates the application process. Our back office streamlines the completion and submission of S21 applications. In this way, IntroCann ensures that the entire process is straightforward and effortless for the prescribing veterinarian. 

South African Law - The Medicine and Related Substances Act 101, as amended - Provides for medical cannabis to be prescribed for a patient by a doctor under Section 21 regulations. 

Education and Training

Access IntroCann to obtain online and events training modules, that are CPD accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Gain access to an online education portal offering evidence-based education and resources. The portal uses analytics and global data (over 70 million data points) to guide and recommend optimal prescribing protocol.

PRESCRIBE MEDICINAL CANNABIS - RX

Complete the prescription for the patient – Section 21 application.

ONLINE FORM

PAYMENT


Payment of the mandatory non-renewable fee of R350 per product is required to SAHPRA. Applications cannot be processed without this.

Please refer to the IntroCann Portal for product pricing.

LET US DO THE REST

Send your completed forms together with proof of payment via email or the online form. Once received, your completed forms will be verified and begin the process of obtaining approval.

Once approved you and the owner will be notified via email and the product will be delivered to your veterinarian practice.

ORDERING


Once approved, the veterinarian will order from our partnering licensed wholesaler, either by phone, email, or the online ordering portal.

Once received the veterinarian can dispense to the owner.

ONLINE ORDERS

Register with our Partnering Licensed Wholsesaler

In order for veterinarians to order the medication, they must open an account with our partnering licensed wholesaler. Please open and complete the attached form, and send it back to us at info@introcann.com
REGISTER WITH OSIRIS

SIGN UP

Creating an account allows you to access our doctor's portal. Here is the information on how IntroCann provides patients with access to medical cannabis.

ONLINE
PRINT
SUBMISSION FORM

WELCOME PACKAGE

Once we have verified your practice, you will be provided with a welcome package that contains information on the laws on prescribing medical cannabis and how IntroCann creates easy access to information and more.

SAHPRA Section 21 allows doctors to apply for medical cannabis. SAHPRA charges a mandatory, non-refundable fee of R350 for the application.

DOCTOR PRESCRIBES

Now that you are verified you are able to utilise our portal to automate the patient prescription process. Once approved, you will open an account with our pharmaceutical wholesaler and place orders for medication so you may dispense directly to your patients.

IntroCann Portal at a Glance

Cannabis Education

IntroCann provides an all-inclusive learning experience, so that veterinarians can fully understand cannabis as a medicine. 

In-Depth Cannabis

We take a deep-dive into medicinal cannabis, exploring patient suitability, dosing and titration. 

How to Prescribe

All the resources you will need to accurately dose and titrate cannabis for each unique patient. 

Data Analytics

IntroCann provides a  patient reporting tool, allowing the prescribing veterinarian to monitor the efficacy of medicinal cannabis treatment for that patient on a real-time basis.

Resources

We have put literature together, both for and against cannabis, to help veterinarians along their journey. 

Veterinary FAQs
Can veterinarians legally prescribe medicinal cannabis in South Africa?
Yes, medicinal cannabis is legal within South Africa, however, there are laws governing its prescription, usage and accessibility. Medicinal cannabis products are not registered medicines in South African and can only be accessed through a Section 21 prescription approval process from SAHPRA, which you as the veterinarian will submit on their behalf.
What is medicinal cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis is cannabis in any form (e.g. oils, capsules, flower, spray) that is prescribed by a veterinarian for specific medical purposes. It is different to black market cannabis because the bioactive compound profile of medicinal cannabis is known and is manufactured under strict conditions to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice, ensuring consistency in product quality and therapeutic effect. Good quality medicines have undergone additional research to establish their safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics.
What does medicinal cannabis treat?
Medicinal Cannabis can be been used to treat a number of different symptoms and conditions, including Chronic Pain, Nausea and Vomiting, Wasting Syndrome/Loss of Appetite, Seizure Disorders, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Arthritis, Anxiety and Depression, Chronic neuropathic pain that impacts daily activity or impairs mobility, mood disorders such as anxiety, which are common in patients with chronic pain, sleep disturbances and clinical insomnia, made worse by pain and anxiety.
Treatment
Isn't THC toxic for dogs?
Dogs have long been reported to have a higher concentration of CB1 receptors in certain areas of the brain (particularly the brain stem and cerebellum) than people. Newer studies that have examined the distribution of CB1 receptors in the canine brain, however, have not supported this theory. Nonetheless, they do appear to be more susceptible to the effects of CB1 ligands such as THC. As with many medications, “the poison is in the dose”, and new studies are looking at the potential therapeutic benefits of using THC in animals, including dogs. Previous studies have shown that the minimum dose typically required to produce signs of toxicity in dogs, is 0.5mg/kg administered intravenously, however differences in routes of administration, individual variances, and adaptation, can make knowing the exact dose to avoid difficult.
What are the common signs of over-consumption or intoxication?
THC toxicity is commonly associated with ataxia, lethargy (or sometimes agitation), disorientation, dilated pupils, urinary incontinence, hyperesthesia, and less frequently, tremors/seizures and vomiting. Changes in vital signs including a low heart rate, low body temperature, and low blood pressure can also be seen. In severe cases, patients may present comatose. Although urinary incontinence, in combination with the more common signs, has often been used as a diagnostic tool for THC toxicity, a paper published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 2012 reported only 47% of THC toxicity cases actually present with urinary incontinence, so veterinarians need to be aware that the lack of incontinence should never rule out THC toxicity as a possible differential diagnosis.
How can one plant possibly assist with multiple, seemingly unrelated conditions?
Cannabis affects the mammalian body through numerous pathways, including those found within the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is now thought to be the largest receptor system in the mammalian body and has been found throughout many parts of the body including both the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems, the Endocrine System, the Gastrointestinal System, the Skin, the Cardiovascular System, Ocular structures, the Reproductive System, etc.
Who can prescribe medicinal cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis can only be prescribed by a doctor or veterinarian. If they decide that medical cannabis therapy is appropriate, then they will apply to SAHPRA for a Section 21 approval for unregistered medicines.
How to prescribe?
IntroCann offers CPD accredited course modules and face-to-face training that will provide necessary access to treatment and prescribing methodologies.
View Courses
How do I know if medicinal cannabis treatment could benefit my patient?
Animals living with chronic pain, with the effects of treatment-resistant epilepsy, or those suffering the side effects of chemotherapy could benefit, as well as animals living with a range of psychiatric conditions including PTSD and anxiety.
How will my patient get his/her medicinal cannabis products?
Patients will be given an option to collect from their veterinarian, providing he/she is a dispensing veterinarian, or from the pharmacy of their choice, or the one month's supply can be delivered directly to their home. Our logistic division will contact the veterinarian to arrange ordering, payment and delivery once the Section 21 is approved.
Is medicinal cannabis covered by medical aid?
Each medical aid and application is unique, please contact your service provider directly.
Illegal Market vs Medical Market
Purchasing or consuming cannabis from the black market exposes patients to numerous risks. Legal producers of cannabis products follow the stringent rules of their countries' health regulations, while illegal growers do not follow any specified regulations or standards. Regulations and standards are in place to ensure the supply of the highest quality medical grade product. This is to guarantee that their products meet health and safety standards.
Previous
Next
Doctor FAQs
Is using medical cannabis legal in South Africa?
Yes, medical cannabis is legal within South Africa, however, there are laws governing its prescription, usage and accessibility. Medical cannabis products are not registered medicines in South African and can only be accessed through a Section 21 prescription approval process from SAHPRA.
What is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is cannabis in any form (e.g. oils, capsules, flower, spray) that is prescribed by a doctor for specific medical purposes. It is different to black market cannabis because the bioactive compound profile of medical cannabis is known and is manufactured under strict conditions to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice, ensuring consistency in product quality and therapeutic effect. Good quality medicines have undergone additional research to establish their safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics.
What does medical cannabis treat?
Medical Cannabis can be been used to treat a number of different symptoms and conditions, including Chronic Pain, Nausea and Vomiting, Multiple Sclerosis, Wasting Syndrome/Loss of Appetite, Seizure Disorders, Fibromyalgia, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Arthritis, Anxiety and Depression, Glaucoma, Chronic neuropathic pain that impacts daily activity or impairs mobility, mood disorders such as anxiety, which are common in patients with chronic pain, sleep disturbances and clinical insomnia, made worse by pain and anxiety.
Treatment
Who can prescribe medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by a doctor. If a doctor decides that medical cannabis therapy is appropriate, then the doctor will apply to SAHPRA for a Section 21 approval for unregistered medicines.
How to prescribe?
IntroCann offers CPD accredited course modules and face-to-face training that will provide necessary access to treatment and prescribing methodologies.
View Courses
How do I know if medical cannabis treatment could benefit my patient?
Patients living with chronic pain, with the effects of treatment-resistant epilepsy, or those suffering the side effects of chemotherapy could benefit, as well as patients living with a range of psychiatric conditions including PTSD, OCD and anxiety.
How will my patient get his/her medical cannabis products?
Patients will be given an option to collect from their doctor, providing he/she is a dispensing doctor, or from the pharmacy of their choice, or the one month's supply can be delivered directly to their home. Our logistic division will contact the patient to arrange ordering, payment and delivery once the Section 21 is approved.
Is medical cannabis covered by medical aid?
Not currently.
What are the recommendations about product types, dosing and tracking usage?
Go to IntroCann's webpage on choosing a product.
More recommendations
Illegal Market vs Medical Market
Purchasing or consuming cannabis from the black market exposes patients to numerous risks. Legal producers of cannabis products follow the stringent rules of their countries' health regulations, while illegal growers do not follow any specified regulations or standards. Regulations and standards are in place to ensure the supply of the highest quality medical grade product. This is to guarantee that their products meet health and safety standards.
Hemp vs Cannabis
The cannabis plant and its products have many different terms to describe many different functions, which can cause plenty of confusion for patients.
Learn More
What is ‘pharmaceutical’ grade and ‘GMP’?
Pharmaceutical GMP is the system that applies to manufacture and storage of medicines. “Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)" describes a documented set of principles, procedures and controls that ensure that therapeutic goods are of high and consistent quality.
What is the difference between the products you prescribe and CBD oil that can be bought online or in shops without a prescription?
CBD oils found without a prescription in South Africa are made from industrial hemp. Industrial hemp consists of strains of the cannabis plant that have been cloned and bred to remove the THC to less than 0.001%. These products vary in cost and quality and are not regulated as medicines. Their use for medicinal purposes is not recommend.
When should Medical Cannabis not be used?
Patients with a history of heart disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or other diseases of the airways), drug/alcohol abuse/dependence, or with a serious mental condition (e.g. schizophrenia) should consult their doctor, before trying cannabis. Patients should also avoid cannabis if pregnant, breastfeeding, planning to get pregnant, or if allergic to any cannabinoids.
How long does it take to register once I’ve submitted my Doctors Registration Form?
IntoCann has an average processing time of 1-3 business days after all necessary information has been submitted to us. Once you are fully registered, you will receive a confirmation email.
How long does it generally take to receive product once approval has been received?
We estimate, after the approval process, that delivery will take a maximum of 28 days.
Why IntroCann?
IntroCann provides a one stop shop to doctors to assist you to prescribe medical cannabis, together with complete information on applications, data and analytics, education and literature. IntroCann have developed a simple doctors portal that automates application completion. Our back-office streamlines the procedure. In this way, IntroCann ensures that the entire process is straightforward and effortless for prescribing doctors.
Previous
Next
Section 21 FAQs
Details behind the prescription process and payment
South African Law – The Medicine and Related Substances Act 101, as amended – provides for medical cannabis to be prescribed for a patient by a veterinarian under Section 21 regulations. The veterinarian will send the signed prescription, together with the patients signed Informed consent to SAHPRA. SAHPRA charges a mandatory non-refundable fee of R350 per application for the prescription approval – this covers you for 6 months’ supply of product, for each product dispensed one month at a time.
What is the Section 21 application fee?
R350 payable to SAHPRA. IntroCann has created a simple ‘pay button’ for online registered patients and doctors. Both online and offline patients can pay via EFT or cash as directed on the forms above. The payment reference must be the patients ID number or full name: This is how the proof of payment is traced back to you. No application will be accepted by SAHPRA without the proof of payment. The current non-refundable fee applicable can be obtained by referring to the Section on fees on the SAHPRA website, www.sahpra.org.za.
What is the turnaround time for a Section 21 application for orthodox medicines for animal use?
The turnaround time is 72-96 hours during working days. There are cases, where this turnaround time might be prolonged, for example where unfamiliar medication requires extensive research to be done by the evaluators.
How long is the Section 21 authorisation valid for?
It is valid for a maximum of 6 (six) months unless otherwise stated. Should your doctor prescribe six months, dosage then the non-refundable mandatory fee payable to SAHPRA equates to R60 per month, with the full amount of R350 payable upfront.
Who can apply for a Section 21?
Any veterinarian registered with the SA Health Professions Council and having a valid Practice Number can apply.
Can a patient apply for a Section 21 on his/her own?
No, a Treating Practitioner who takes full clinical responsibility (for monitoring safety, efficacy and quality of the unregistered medicine) must complete an application.
Section 21 re-authorisation
Re-authorisation is possible with a valid approval number from a prior approval, that is no older than 10 months, for use of the same medicine for the same patient. Re-authorizations are intended for patients that require ongoing treatment, and whose authorizations are close to expiry or recently expired. You will still be required to pay the mandatory fee of R350 (R60 per month) to SAHPRA. No application will be accepted by SAHPRA without the proof of payment.
SAHPRA Products FAQ
View Guide
Previous
Next
Prescribing FAQs
What paperwork do I fill out for a section 21 application?
All the paperwork can be found when you register with IntroCann
Register with IntroCann
Where can I learn more about medicinal cannabis?
Veterinarians looking to learn more about medicinal cannabis can sign up with IntroCann for comprehensive online classes and webinars.
Sign up for online courses with IntroCann
Previous
Next
Veterinary Resources & Articles

Read this article 

Read this article 

Read this article 

Read this article 

Read this article 

SAHPRA Resources

Visit the SAHPRA Veterinary Medicines Web Page 

View SAHPRA Guide 

Download the Progress Report Form 

Educational Webinars for Veterinarians - Coming Soon

As this emerging market continues to grow, we are working hard to bring you educational courseworks and webinars; all centered around the prescription of medicinal cannabis for animals.

Book an appointment with our medical science team

Prescribing and Veterinary Assistance

Do you need assistance in prescribing medicinal cannabis, understanding dosing recommendations or completing your first Section 21 application?

Email us using the form below and one of our team members will be in touch with you. 

For veterinarians only *

You must be at least 18 years or older to purchase medical cannabis
Are you of legal age?

YES
NO

By clicking yes, you agree to it Terms & Conditionss and Privacy Policy

The IntroCann Portal

Please note that the IntroCann Portal is currently available on desktop only. A mobile version of the portal will be available soon.

MOBILE VERSION COMING IN 2021