What’s Growing on?

Current Cannabis Laws in Australia

Medical Cannabis: Medical cannabis is legal in Australia, and patients can access it through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) with a prescription from a registered healthcare practitioner¹. However, the process can be restrictive, and access to cannabis-based medicines remains behind that of many other legal cannabis jurisdictions¹.

Recreational Cannabis: Recreational cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, but enforcement and penalties vary across states and territories¹. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is an exception, where possession of up to 50 grams of cannabis and the cultivation of up to two cannabis plants per person (four per household) is legal².

Legalising Cannabis Bill 2023: This bill aims to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use across Australia. The deadline for submissions was November 3, 2023, and the reporting date is May 31, 2024³.

Influential Figures in the Australian Cannabis Industry

1. Lisa Nguyen: Co-founder of Astrid Dispensary, the first female-led medicinal cannabis business in Australia. She has been a significant advocate for the industry, fighting for its acceptance and proper education among healthcare professionals⁴.
2. John Ryan: CEO of Penington Institute, which provides insights and updates on the Australian cannabis landscape. He has been a key figure in advocating for broader access to medicinal cannabis and addressing barriers to its use⁵.
3. Various Entrepreneurs: The Australian cannabis industry has seen a surge of entrepreneurs and businesses, with over 500 cannabis brands joining the market since the legalization of medicinal cannabis in 2016⁴.

The cannabis industry in Australia is evolving, with ongoing efforts to expand access to medicinal cannabis and discussions around the legalization of recreational use. The contributions of key figures and businesses are shaping the future of cannabis in the country. 🌿

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