Craft Gold Coast is a cannabis brand and retail chain operating in Queensland, Australia, known for its locally grown medicinal cannabis products and its dispensary-style stores on the Gold Coast. The company, formally Craft Cannabis Pty Ltd, holds a medicinal cannabis licence and sells products through the Australian Government’s Special Access Scheme, meaning customers need a prescription from a doctor to purchase anything.
Background: Medicinal Cannabis in Australia
Medicinal cannabis became legal in Australia in 2016 when the federal government passed the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Act. However, it is not available over the counter. Patients must obtain a prescription from an authorised medical practitioner, who applies to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) under the Special Access Scheme (SAS-B) or through the Authorised Prescriber pathway. The TGA approves each patient’s application individually, and the product must be supplied by a licensed manufacturer or pharmacy.
Craft Gold Coast emerged in this regulated environment. It positions itself as a local, transparent alternative to imported products, with a focus on small-batch cultivation and a retail experience that resembles a modern dispensary rather than a typical pharmacy. The company operates a flagship store in Southport and has expanded to other locations, but its core business is medicinal cannabis, not recreational use.
How Craft Gold Coast Works
To buy from Craft Gold Coast, you must follow the legal process:
- Consult a doctor: You need a prescription from an Australian-registered doctor who is authorised to prescribe medicinal cannabis. Craft Gold Coast can help you find a clinic or GP, but the decision is always the doctor’s.
- Get TGA approval: The doctor submits an application to the TGA, which typically takes 1–5 business days. Approval is based on your medical history and the product’s suitability.
- Order and collect: Once approved, you can order online or in-store, and pick up from a Craft Gold Coast location or have it delivered (where legally permitted).
The company grows its own flower in a facility in the Gold Coast hinterland, and also stocks oils, capsules, and vape cartridges from other licensed producers. Their staff are trained to explain the different strains, THC/CBD ratios, and consumption methods, but they cannot give medical advice.
Products and Strains
Craft Gold Coast’s product line includes both dried flower and extracts. Their own brand, “Craft Cannabis,” offers strains like Jack Haze (a sativa-dominant hybrid), Blue Dream (a balanced hybrid), and Girl Scout Cookies (an indica-dominant hybrid). These are grown in small batches and tested for potency and contaminants. They also stock products from other Australian producers such as Cannatrek, LGP, and ANTG, giving patients a range of options.
Each product is labelled with its THC and CBD content, and the company publishes lab test results on its website. It is important to note that strains are not standardised; the same strain name can have different effects depending on the grower, so Craft Gold Coast provides detailed terpene profiles and batch numbers for traceability.
How to Choose a Product
Choosing a medicinal cannabis product is not like picking a wine. The right choice depends on your condition, tolerance, and desired effects. Here are the main factors:
- THC vs. CBD: THC is psychoactive and often used for pain, nausea, and insomnia. CBD is non-psychoactive and used for anxiety, inflammation, and epilepsy. Many patients use a combination.
- Indica vs. Sativa: Indica strains are typically more relaxing and sedating, while sativas are more uplifting and energising. Hybrids fall in between. However, this is a simplification; the actual effects depend on the specific chemotype.
- Consumption method: Flower is inhaled (vaped or smoked) and acts quickly but wears off in 1–3 hours. Oils are taken sublingually and last 4–8 hours. Capsules are slower but consistent. Vape cartridges are discreet and fast-acting.
- Terpenes: Aromatic compounds that modify the effects. For example, myrcene is sedating, limonene is uplifting, and pinene is alerting.
Start with a low dose, especially if you are new to cannabis. The TGA approval process includes a dosing schedule, but it is your responsibility to follow it and report any side effects to your doctor.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that Craft Gold Coast is a “dispensary” like in Canada or the US, where you can walk in and buy cannabis for any reason. In Australia, it is strictly medicinal. You cannot purchase without a prescription, and the staff cannot recommend a product for a condition you haven’t discussed with a doctor.
Another issue is supply shortages. Because the industry is young and demand is high, specific strains may be out of stock. Craft Gold Coast often publishes a “stock availability” list on its website, but it changes weekly. Patients sometimes complain about the cost, as medicinal cannabis is not subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so a month’s supply can cost between $200 and $600 AUD depending on the product and dose.
There is also confusion about the difference between “Craft Gold Coast” and “Craft Cannabis” as a generic term. The company’s name is a brand, not a description of the product’s quality. All medicinal cannabis in Australia is grown under strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, so “craft” does not mean unregulated or artisanal in the usual sense.
Costs and Insurance
Medicinal cannabis is not covered by Medicare or the PBS. You pay for the consultation, the TGA application (usually a fee charged by the clinic, not the TGA itself), and the product. Consultation fees vary from $50 to $200, and some clinics offer bulk-billed telehealth appointments. The product price is set by the manufacturer and the pharmacy, and Craft Gold Coast lists prices on its website. For example, a 10g container of flower typically costs between $120 and $180 AUD. Oils range from $100 to $250 per bottle. Delivery is usually free over a certain amount.
Some private health insurers offer extras cover for medicinal cannabis, but it is rare. Check with your fund. You can also claim the cost as a medical expense on your tax return if you have a valid prescription and receipts.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Medicinal cannabis is safe when used as directed, but it is not without risks. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, increased heart rate, and drowsiness. It can interact with other medications, especially blood thinners and antidepressants, so always tell your doctor everything you take. Driving under the influence of THC is illegal in Australia, even if you have a prescription. You can be charged with drug driving if THC is detected in your saliva, regardless of whether you are impaired. The law does not distinguish between medicinal and recreational use.
Storage is also important. Keep products in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children and pets. Do not use cannabis if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless specifically advised by a doctor. Finally, never buy from unlicensed sources; they may be contaminated or contain synthetic cannabinoids, which are dangerous.
Alternatives to Craft Gold Coast
Craft Gold Coast is not the only option. Other licensed Australian producers include Cannatrek, Little Green Pharma, Althea, and MedCan. You can also get products from local pharmacies that stock medicinal cannabis, or via telehealth clinics like Alternaleaf or CanniMed. The choice often comes down to product availability, price, and the relationship with your doctor. Some patients prefer oils over flower, and some producers specialise in certain formulations. It is worth asking your doctor for a comparison based on your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription to buy from Craft Gold Coast?
Yes. Medicinal cannabis is a Schedule 8 controlled drug in Australia, so you must have a prescription from an authorised doctor and TGA approval. Craft Gold Coast cannot sell to you without it.
Can I walk into a Craft Gold Coast store and buy cannabis?
No. The stores are not open to the public for walk-in purchases. You can visit to ask questions or pick up an order, but you must have a valid prescription and an approved application.
How long does the approval process take?
Once your doctor submits the SAS-B application, the TGA usually responds within 1–5 business days. Some clinics offer same-day approval for certain products if you meet the criteria.
Is Craft Gold Coast’s cannabis organic?
Not necessarily. The company uses sustainable growing practices, but “organic” is not a regulated term in Australian medicinal cannabis. All products must meet GMP standards for purity and potency, but they are not certified organic.
Can I travel with medicinal cannabis?
Within Australia, you can travel with your medication if you carry the original packaging and a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor. International travel is generally prohibited, even to countries where cannabis is legal. Check with the destination country’s embassy.
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