Hemp and medicinal cannabis operates within a strict, well-defined legal framework in Australia
The usage of medicinal cannabis for scientific purposes was legalised by the Australian Parliament at the federal level in November 2016. The possession and use of small amounts of cannabis has been decriminalised in certain States and Territories.
The use of cannabis for medical or scientific purposes is permitted so long as a licence and permit have been granted by the Commonwealth Office of Drug Control (ODC).
Where THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, CBD has proven useful in the management of seizures and pain, and may have anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects — making it a vital tool in modern medicine.
The Commonwealth Government controls all regulatory aspects of the cultivation and production of cannabis for medicinal purposes through a national licensing and monitoring scheme administered by the ODC and the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
An ODC (Office of Drug Control) licence is required in order to legally cultivate and/or produce cannabis for medicinal or research purposes, and such a licence must be accompanied by an associated permit.
In order to be granted an ODC licence, a cultivator and/or producer must supply to a manufacturer who holds an ODC medicinal cannabis manufacturing licence, or to a researcher with the appropriate authorisation.
Medical cannabis has been approved for use by prescription in Australia under the Narcotics Drugs Act 1967. In most States and Territories in Australia, approval or permission is required by a medical practitioner in order to prescribe medicinal cannabis products to patients.
Hemp Australia operates fully within this regulatory framework, ensuring all products and partnerships meet the requirements set by the TGA and ODC at every stage of production, distribution and sale.
All Hemp Australia affiliated products are produced under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, providing traceability and quality assurance from cultivation through to final product.
Hemp Australia works in full compliance with Australia's regulatory authorities to ensure the highest standards of safety and legality.
The federal body responsible for licensing and monitoring the cultivation and production of cannabis for medicinal and research purposes in Australia.
Australia's regulatory authority for therapeutic goods, responsible for approving medicinal cannabis products for use in the Australian market.
All Hemp Australia processing partners maintain Good Manufacturing Practice certification, guaranteeing product quality, safety and consistency.