When you receive a prescription in Australia, you may notice it is classified as Schedule 4 (S4) or Schedule 8 (S8). These schedules help regulate medicines to ensure they are used safely and appropriately.
Understanding the difference can help you feel more confident about your treatment - especially if you’ve been prescribed medicinal cannabis, which can fall into either category.
What Are Medication Schedules?
In Australia, medicines are classified under the Poisons Standard, which groups medications based on:
- Their medical benefit
- Potential risks
- Need for medical supervision
The higher the schedule number, the tighter the controls.
What Is an S4 Medication?
Schedule 4 (S4) medicines are Prescription Only Medicines.
Key features of S4 medications:
- Require a prescription from a doctor or authorised prescriber
- Are commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions
- Can be safely used under standard medical supervision
Common examples include:
- Antibiotics
- Blood pressure medications
- Antidepressants
- Hormone therapies
- Some medicinal cannabis products (CBD only products)
S4 medications may have repeats and are usually prescribed for ongoing conditions.
What Is an S8 Medication?
Schedule 8 (S8) medicines are Controlled Drugs.
They are used for legitimate medical purposes but carry a higher risk of dependence or misuse, so they are more tightly regulated.
Key features of S8 medications:
- Require stricter prescribing and dispensing rules
- Often have limited or no repeats
- May require more frequent reviews with your doctor
- Must be stored securely
Common examples include:
- Strong pain medications (such as certain opioids)
- Some medications for neurological or sleep disorders
- Most medicinal cannabis products
Being prescribed an S8 medication reflects the need for closer monitoring.
Medicinal Cannabis: S4 vs S8 - What’s the Difference?
Medicinal cannabis can be prescribed as either S4 or S8, depending on its THC content.
S4 Medicinal Cannabis
- Contains 2% THC or less
- Often CBD-dominant products
- Lower risk of intoxication or dependence
S8 Medicinal Cannabis
- Contains more than 2% THC
- THC-dominant or balanced THC:CBD products
- Subject to tighter prescribing rules and monitoring
Why Does the Schedule Matter?
The medication schedule affects:
- How often you need a review
- Whether repeats are allowed
- How prescriptions are dispensed
- Storage and safety requirements
For example:
- S4 medicines are generally easier to continue long-term
- S8 medicines require closer follow-up to ensure ongoing safety and effectiveness
Both schedules are designed to protect patients, not restrict access to treatment.
If you’re unsure about your medication or its schedule, or would like to learn more, contact our team at 1300 420 965, email us at hello@dispensedirect.com.au, or discuss with your prescriber.