South Australia is making it easier for doctors to prescribe medicinal cannabis.

The SA Government is cutting regulations to allow the drug to be prescribed for periods of up to two months without having to go through the government.

Acting Premier Kyam Maher said the change, which applies from today, came from consultation.

“We heard that it was extra red tape and an extra layer of administration for doctors to have to get state approval every single time, for every single patient prescribed medicinal cannabis,” he said.

“If a doctor in consultation with their patient thinks it's the right thing for them, we've decided you don't need that state approval.”

The change only covers medicinal cannabis products approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The SA Government also says it is setting up an Office for Industrial Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis to find ways to develop both sectors.