Australia Medical Cannabis Market, by Route of Administration

Growth Outlook

• The Australia Medical Cannabis Market, by Route of Administration market is on a steady long-term growth path. Segment value stands at roughly USD 1220 Mn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 1471 Mn by 2027 — a gain of about 21% over the forecast period, translating to a CAGR in the double digits.
• What the regional split looks like (2026): Inhalation leads, holding roughly 59% of segment value — the single largest regional share. Oral is the second-largest contributor. Topical make up the remainder, in descending order.
• By 2027, Inhalation alone is expected to reach USD 863 Mn, with Oral at USD 405 Mn.

Market Dynamics

The use of cannabis for medical purposes has become increasingly popular and accepted in many countries around the world, including Australia. With the legalization of medical cannabis in many Australian states and territories, the demand for cannabis products has significantly increased. Australia's medical cannabis market is growing rapidly, and it is expected to continue growing in the coming years. One of the factors driving this demand is the availability of different routes of administration for medical cannabis.

Route of administration refers to the way in which a drug or medication is taken into the body. In the case of medical cannabis, there are various routes of administration available such as inhalation, oral ingestion, topical application, and sublingual administration. Each route has its unique benefits and is preferred by different patients for various reasons.

Inhalation is one of the most common and traditional ways of using medical cannabis. It involves smoking or vaporizing the cannabis flower or oil and inhaling the resulting smoke or vapor. This route of administration is preferred by many patients as it provides quick relief from symptoms, and the effects can be felt almost immediately. It is also a preferred option for those who have trouble swallowing pills or have sensitive stomachs. Inhalation is also considered one of the most cost-effective ways of using medical cannabis.

Oral ingestion involves consuming medical cannabis through the mouth by eating or drinking cannabis-infused products such as oils, capsules, or edibles. This route of administration is preferred by patients who do not want to smoke or vaporize cannabis. It is also a more discreet option as there is no obvious smell or smoke involved. Oral ingestion can also provide long-lasting effects and is suitable for patients who need consistent and prolonged relief from symptoms.

Topical application involves using cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions that are applied directly to the skin. This route of administration is preferred for localized pain relief, skin conditions, and inflammation. It is a preferred option for patients who do not want to experience the psychoactive effects of cannabis, as topical application does not result in a "high."

Sublingual administration involves placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue and allowing it to be absorbed by the mucous membranes in the mouth. This route of administration is preferred by patients who want quick relief from symptoms without the need to smoke or ingest cannabis. It is also a discreet and convenient option for those who need to medicate in public.

In conclusion, the availability of different routes of administration has contributed to the increasing demand for medical cannabis in Australia. As more research and development is done in the field of medical cannabis, we can expect to see even more innovative ways of administering cannabis for therapeutic purposes. These different routes of administration provide patients with options to choose the most suitable and effective way of using medical cannabis for their specific needs.