Urgent action needed on medicinal cannabis

In a joint letter to the minister, the Guild and the AMA raised concerns about excessive and poorly regulated prescribing practices, the long-term use of the special access schemes for medicinal cannabis, and the proliferation of prescribing and dispensing clinics operating outside typical care pathways. 

The letter highlights reports about coercive practices by cannabis companies and adverse health outcomes — particularly among vulnerable populations. 

The organisations are urging the government to:  

• strengthen clinical governance through national safety and quality bodies 
• support Ahpra in regulating poor prescribing and dispensing practices 
• reform the special access scheme to restrict use to exceptional cases under supervision 
• encourage sponsors to register products on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for evidence-based indications within the next two years. 

In submissions to the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA’s) review into the safety and regulatory oversight of unapproved medicinal cannabis (MC) products both organisations have recommended all medicinal cannabis products used beyond exceptional access be registered on the ARTG, with special access scheme pathways reserved for genuine exceptions.  

 The submissions also call for the immediate suspension of Category 5 products containing THC concentrations above 98 per cent during the review.  

They also support tighter controls on prescribing and dispensing, including volume thresholds for ARTG registration, dispensing limits for high-THC products, and specialist-only prescribing for higher-risk categories.  

The AMA and Guild have requested a meeting with Minister Butler to discuss the issue. 

Quotes attributable to Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey 

“We are seeing a system that is being exploited — with prescriptions issued without proper clinical oversight and patients bypassing their regular GP and pharmacist.” 

“What began as a special pathway for medication has now become the norm with thousands of products prescribed without safety, quality or efficacy controls.” 

“Pharmacists are committed to safe, evidence-based care. We need stronger governance and regulation to protect patients.”   

Quotes attributable to national AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen 

“We are seeing the use of medicinal cannabis for conditions where it is contraindicated or where it’s use should be under strict and/or ongoing supervision, and our members are increasingly reporting serious adverse outcomes for patients.”  

“We recognise medicinal cannabis can be useful for some patients with specific conditions supported by evidence, such as epilepsy, chemotherapy induced nausea, or muscle spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis. However, there is little, or no evidence base for many of the conditions for which it is being prescribed, such as anxiety, insomnia or depression.”  

“We welcome the action taken to date by regulators including updated prescribing guidance, but urgent action is needed to ensure medicinal cannabis is prescribed, dispensed and regulated in the same manner as other registered drugs of dependence.” 

Read the AMA’s submission to the TGA 

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s submission to the TGA is available on request.   

AMA media: 0427 209 753 | media@ama.com.au

Pharmacy Guild of Australia media enquiries: Hazel Gidley – 0429 827 830 media@guild.org.au