I am in charge of a laboratory at a university. Do I need approval to possess and use Schedule 2, 3 or 4 substances to instruct students enrolled in our courses?

No, special approval is not required. A scientifically qualified person who is in charge of a laboratory or department, or a person acting under the direct personal supervision of such a person, is authorised to possess and use any Schedule 2, 3 or 4 substance that is required for the conduct of medical or scientific research or instruction or the conduct of quality control analysis.

What type of approval do I need to conduct scientific research with animals that involves the use of Schedule 8 drugs such as ketamine and buprenorphine?

A written authority from the NSW Ministry of Health is required to possess Schedule 8 drugs for the purposes of scientific research. For more information and to download an application form to apply for authorisation see Licences and authorisations. Applications must include approval from an appropriate Animal Ethics Committee.

What type of approval do I need to conduct scientific research that involves prohibited substances such as cannabis?

A written authority from the NSW Ministry of Health is required to possess prohibited substances in Schedule 1 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985, such as cannabis. Application to apply for authority to possess these substances for the purpose of research or analysis is available at Licences and authorisations. Applications involving research must include approval from an appropriate Human Research Ethics Committee, if human clinical trials are proposed.

For authorisation to prescribe Schedule 8 drugs (or prohibited substances) for use in human clinical trials, telephone the Monitoring and Compliance Section at Pharmaceutical Services during business hours on (02) 9424 5923.