Cannabis stores in Australia remain highly regulated and rare. Recreational marijuana is illegal nationwide, but medical cannabis is legal with a doctor’s prescription. This means any official cannabis stores in Australia today are exclusively medical dispensaries, often part of licensed pharmacies. Demand is soaring: prescriptions jumped from under 3,000 in 2018 to over 120,000 by 2021 (with a further 40% increase in access during late 2022).
For many Australians, searching “cannabis stores in Australia” or “cannabis store near me” yields news articles and forums, not addresses. There are no big-brand cannabis retailers here—just a few medical clinics and pharmacy dispensaries under strict regulation.
Figure: A fresh cannabis hemp leaf, symbolic of products handled under Australia’s strict cannabis store regulations. For now, no legal retail cannabis shops exist in Australia (Vice reports that “no state or territory governments have plans to legalise cannabis for personal use”).
Cannabis Stores in Australia: Legal Landscape
Australia’s laws primarily distinguish medical vs. recreational cannabis. On 24 February 2016, the federal government legalized cannabis for medical and scientific use. Since then, a patient with a qualifying condition can obtain a prescription from a GP, and certain pharmacies or clinics can dispense legally. For example, patients can have their cannabis scripts filled at pharmacies nationwide. In practice, patients can obtain prescriptions for conditions ranging from chronic pain to anxiety. (Doctors often prescribe cannabis oils or capsules to manage such conditions.)
However, no state or territory (except the ACT) allows recreational cannabis stores. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) decriminalized possession of small amounts for personal use, but selling cannabis is still banned. As one report notes, “no state or territory governments have plans to legalise cannabis for personal use – like the ACT has done”.
Key points:
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Medical Dispensaries Only: Any legitimate cannabis “store” is a licensed pharmacy or clinic dispensing to prescription patients. There are no licensed adult-use weed shops. If you see a business calling itself a cannabis store, it’s almost certainly illegal.
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International Example: In New York, a dispensary named The Travel Agency – A Cannabis Store openly sells recreational cannabis. This branding would be illegal in Australia, highlighting how different the legal climates are (Australian law still prohibits any adult-use retailer).
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Pharmacy Approval Required: New dispensaries must register as pharmacies. This process is slow. Vice reports that because businesses need to register as pharmacies, opening dispensaries has been delayed.
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Soaring Demand: Medical cannabis interest has exploded. Prescriptions grew 40% between the first and second halves of 2022. As a result, some entrepreneurs are moving forward: for example, a startup called Better Leaf in Melbourne announced plans to open Sydney’s first medical cannabis dispensary. However, as of 2023 it is still awaiting federal approval.
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State Variations: Some states are reviewing cannabis laws (New South Wales and Victoria have legislative inquiries), but none have legalized recreational sales yet.
In short, cannabis stores in Australia today means medical dispensaries only. Patients can buy approved cannabis meds at specific pharmacies or clinics with a prescription, but you will not find an open recreational cannabis storefront.
How to Find Cannabis (If You Qualify)
If you are a medical patient seeking cannabis products, here’s how to proceed:
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Get a Prescription: Consult a doctor who is registered to prescribe medical cannabis. Not every GP can do this, so seek out specialists or clinics that offer cannabis evaluations.
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Licensed Pharmacies & Clinics: With a script, go to a pharmacy or clinic licensed to stock cannabis products. In major cities, certain compounding pharmacies and health clinics are approved to dispense cannabis oils, capsules, or dried flower. For instance, some chains like MCR or Tweed Day Surgeries handle these prescriptions for patients.
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Online Delivery: Many patients order cannabis products by mail. Approved dispensaries can ship oils, tinctures or dried flower to your home after verifying your prescription. According to one study, the majority of Australian patients currently receive their cannabis products via delivery rather than in-person pickup.
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Specialized Dispensaries: Watch for news on new medical dispensaries. For example, the Sydney dispensary “Better Leaf” planned a walk-in clinic in Newtown with a pharmacy attached. These combine consultations and onsite medication pick-up once licensed.
Always verify a cannabis seller’s credentials. If a website or shop claims to be a cannabis store, check that it’s licensed by the Office of Drug Control (ODC) or your state health department. Currently, only government-licensed suppliers are legal.
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FAQs on Cannabis Stores in Australia
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Q: Is there a cannabis store near me in Australia?
A: Almost certainly not, if you mean a shop selling recreational cannabis. Search results may list CBD stores or unlicensed dealers, but no legal cannabis shop exists without a prescription. The only outlets legally selling cannabis products are medical dispensaries (usually within pharmacies) for prescription patients. -
Q: Can you buy cannabis in Australian pharmacies?
A: Only with a valid prescription. Standard pharmacies do not stock cannabis products unless the patient has doctor’s approval and the pharmacy has obtained the appropriate license. -
Q: What is the difference between a dispensary and a cannabis store?
A: In Australia, a “dispensary” usually means a medical clinic or pharmacy dispensing prescribed cannabis. We do not have stand-alone recreational “weed shops.” An Australian “cannabis store” in practice is a medical dispensary under the healthcare system. -
Q: Are cannabis dispensaries in Australia legal?
A: Yes, licensed medical dispensaries are legal. All others are not. For example, authorized clinics in NSW or Victoria dispensing prescribed cannabis operate lawfully. But an unlicensed cannabis outlet would be breaking the law. -
Q: Can you find “cannabis store near me” results that are real?
A: Probably not useful. Typing “cannabis store near me” into Google in Australia will usually show irrelevant results or CBD vendors. No legitimate recreational cannabis stores exist in Australia as of 2025. -
Q: How to store cannabis safely?
A: See the section below on storage. In brief: keep cannabis products in cool, dark, airtight containers away from heat, light, and moisture.
How to Store Cannabis Properly
Proper storage is crucial to preserve potency and flavor. Store cannabis products in a cool, dark, and dry place. Aim for stable conditions: avoid sunlight, heat, and humidity, as these degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. Below are guidelines for different forms:
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Cannabis Flower (Buds): Use opaque, airtight containers – glass jars (especially amber-colored) are ideal. Fill jars nearly full to minimize air. Store them at room temperature in a dark cabinet. Do not refrigerate or freeze dried flower; cold causes condensation and can ruin the buds. Thin plastic bags or unsealed tins will let air in and spoil the aroma.
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Cannabis Seeds: For long-term viability, store seeds in a sealed, airtight container (glass vial or vacuum-sealed bag) in a cool, dark spot. A refrigerator is acceptable if the seeds are bone-dry (moisture is the killer). Happy Valley Genetics advises that “air-tight storage is recommended, as are glass containers”. Stored this way, seeds can remain viable for years. A simple vacuum-sealer plus a cool cupboard can preserve seeds for a decade or more.
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Cannabis Oils, Tinctures & Edibles: These infused products benefit from refrigeration. According to Leafly, the rule is “cool, dark, and sealed.” So yes, you can store cannabis oils, balms, or edible items in the fridge to extend their shelf life. Light and oxygen accelerate degradation, so keep containers tightly closed and opaque. Check best-by dates on edibles. (Note: Because dried flower is a plant, it is the exception – don’t refrigerate buds. But oils and edibles, which may have perishables, are fine in the fridge.)
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Dosing Containers: Many patients use pill bottles or jars. Choose food-safe containers. Metal should be high-quality (non-reactive) if used; better yet, stick to glass. Never use weak tins like Altoids, which won’t seal tightly.
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Quick Dos and Don’ts:
✔️ Use airtight glass jars (mason jars with rubber seal, preferably tinted) for flower.
✔️ Store all products in a cool, dark place (cupboard, drawer).
✔️ Use desiccants or humidity packs (about 62% RH) inside jars to maintain moisture for buds.
✔️ Refrigerate oils and edible products when possible.
❌ Don’t leave cannabis in sunlight or near heat sources.
❌ Don’t store dried buds in the fridge/freezer (the cold will damage them).
❌ Avoid plastic bags or poorly sealed containers.
❌ Keep all cannabis products out of reach of children or pets.
Figure: A close-up of dried cannabis buds in hand. This image emphasizes why buds must be stored in a cool, dark, airtight container to preserve potency.
By following these storage tips, your cannabis products – whether buds, seeds, or oils – will stay potent longer and safer.
Conclusion
In summary, cannabis stores in Australia are not like typical retail outlets; they exist only within the medical system. Recreational cannabis shops are not legal in Australia (aside from limited personal-use allowances in the ACT). The only “stores” selling cannabis are approved pharmacies or clinics dispensing it to patients with prescriptions.
If you legally obtain cannabis products, remember proper handling: keep flower in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark place, preserve seeds in sealed containers in a cool spot, and refrigerate oils/edibles to extend their shelf life.
By understanding both the legal landscape and correct storage practices, readers can navigate the topic of cannabis stores in Australia with confidence. Stay informed about local regulations and handle cannabis responsibly.
