When looking at the international cannabis market, the U.S. stands out because of its successful efforts of implementing cannabis legalization in most states, thereby providing access to a large population. In Australia, cannabis is considered illegal under federal law. Medical cannabis has been legalized throughout most of its eight territories but still underlies specific regulations in each territory. Some territories are more strict than others regarding fine amounts and limited gram amounts.
Australia’s Legal Cannabis Laws
The cultivation, production and manufacturing of cannabis for medical and research purposes became legalized in Australia in 2016 by the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Bill that passed and changed the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967. As a result, legal access to medical cannabis is only given to medical patients with particular conditions which are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The TGA has a similar function as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provides strict guidelines of permissible and non-permissible substances according to the Poisons Standard but also is the responsible entity for approving or denying Special Access Scheme (SAS) applications from those seeking access to medical cannabis. Cannabis is permissible for therapeutic use.
Medical Patients
There are 27 conditions of patients, according to Australia’s Department of Health, that make them eligible to receive medical cannabis treatment prescribed by a doctor. These conditions include epilepsy, cancer, neuropathic pain and anorexia amongst others.
In 2016, a report from the University of Sydney predicted an increased demand of cannabis if Australia were to open up a medicinal cannabis market. By 2017 almost 457 patients received medical cannabis, and the numbers increased to 2,526 the following year. These numbers do not include self-medicating individuals who illicitly source their cannabis. In 2019 the official count of medical cannabis patients climbed to 15, 566. The numbers are expected to increase.
Extending Cannabis Laws
In January 2018, Australia announced its plan to become the 4th country in the world to legalize medicinal cannabis exports. One month later, the export of medicinal cannabis products became legalized by the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Regulations.
At the end of January 2020, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) implemented new laws concerning cultivating and possessing cannabis by allowing two plants, per person ages 18 and older, as well as the possession of a maximum of 50 grams, per person.
Australia’s Security Matters – A Strong Example
Aitor Arza, the Australian Global Business Development Consultant at Shanghai Baolei Industrial Co. Ltd., spent years living in Australia. A veteran of the physical security industry, Arza is familiar with Australian security culture and emphasizes that cannabis including THC is a “controlled drug” which any type of health facility needs to store “in a securely locked storage cabinet that meets or exceeds the Australian Standard for Safes and Strongrooms.” Furthermore, the resistance to an attack on a safe storing cannabis should be TL-rated.
Besides securely storing cannabis and stationing security guards at cultivation farms, cannabis clinics and warehouses ensure cannabis security abiding to governmental rules as well. As a result, medical cannabis goes through a strict, regulated process before it can be consumed.
We appreciate the assistance of Aitor Arza in researching this article.
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Check out some other relevant articles for more industry news:
The Importance of Cannabis Security Vaults
Security for Outdoor Cannabis Grows
Why Should You Use an Integrator Who Is Experienced in the Cannabis Industry?
