FAQs
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions
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AKOS BIO
AKOS Bio is a South African medical cannabis dispensary and telehealth platform that provides patients with seamless access to certified medical professionals and GMP-grade (Good Manufacturing Practice) cannabis products.
Through our platform, you can consult with a doctor, receive a prescription, and purchase medical cannabis products – all from the comfort of your home.
Our telehealth platform allows patients to schedule consultations with licensed doctors online. During the consultation, the doctor assesses your medical condition and determines whether medical cannabis is a suitable treatment option. If approved, the doctor will provide a prescription, which can be fulfilled directly through our dispensary.
AKOS BIO offers a range of high-quality GMP-certified cannabis products, including oils, vaporisers, and edibles. All our products are lab-tested to ensure their safety, quality, and consistency, giving patients peace of mind when it comes to treatment.
Our platform is open to anyone in South Africa who is over the age of 18 and has a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional. Patients seeking treatment for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders may find medical cannabis helpful.
AKOS BIO stands out because of our holistic approach to patient care. We combine telehealth services with access to GMP-certified medical cannabis products, ensuring that patients receive both expert medical advice and high-quality, safe cannabis products in one seamless experience.
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Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis plant or its extracts to treat certain medical conditions. It is prescribed for various issues, including chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia. The cannabinoids in medical cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate pain, mood, and other functions.
During a consultation with one of our licensed doctors, they will assess your health and medical history to determine if medical cannabis is a suitable treatment option. It may be considered if other treatments have been ineffective or if your condition is one that could benefit from cannabinoid therapy.
Medical cannabis can be administered in various forms depending on your needs and preferences. Common methods include oral ingestion (edibles or oils), inhalation (vaporising or smoking), or topical application (creams and ointments). Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate method for your condition.
While medical cannabis is generally considered safe, it can have some side effects, including dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, or changes in appetite. Your doctor will discuss these potential effects with you and suggest ways to minimise them. It’s also important to start with a low dose and adjust gradually under medical supervision.
Medical cannabis, when used responsibly under medical supervision, is not considered addictive. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s prescription closely and avoid overuse. Unlike recreational cannabis, medical cannabis is used in controlled doses to treat specific health conditions, minimising the risk of dependency.
Medical cannabis has shown potential in treating a variety of conditions and symptoms.
It is commonly prescribed for managing chronic pain, especially in conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. It can also help alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
Other disease areas where medical cannabis is beneficial include anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and certain gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Additionally, it is used to improve appetite and reduce nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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Legal & Compliance
Yes, medical cannabis is legal in South Africa under specific regulations. Patients can legally access medical cannabis if they have a prescription from a licensed medical professional. The products must be sourced from certified providers like AKOS BIO, which ensures compliance with the law.
Yes, a valid prescription from a licensed doctor is required to purchase medical cannabis products from AKOS BIO. During your consultation, the doctor will determine whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition and issue a prescription if necessary.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification ensures that medical cannabis products are produced according to strict quality standards. This certification guarantees that the products are consistently manufactured and controlled, ensuring their safety, quality, and efficacy.
Yes, it is your constitutional right to possess cannabis for private use in South Africa. As long as you have a valid prescription for medical cannabis, you are legally allowed to carry it with you. However, it’s important to keep your prescription documentation with you while traveling to avoid any issues. Please note that this applies within South Africa, and different laws may apply when traveling internationally.
South African law allows patients with a valid prescription to possess medical cannabis for personal use. The amount of cannabis you can possess will be based on the quantity prescribed by your doctor, which is typically regulated to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
A Section 21 application is a special licence granted by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) that allows patients to access unregistered medicines, including medical cannabis, in specific cases.
At AKOS BIO, our doctors will apply for your Section 21 on your behalf if they believe medical cannabis is a suitable treatment for your condition. Once approved, the permit is valid for six months.
If your treatment is proving effective, our doctors will reassess your progress through a consultation and reapply for your Section 21 to ensure continuity of care.