The founding directors of the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association have marked its fifth anniversary by vowing to continue championing the rights of patients and to “fearlessly represent” the wider industry.
In the face of ongoing criticism and external pressures which have dogged the industry over the past year, they pledged to “continue to challenge stigma, champion innovation and advocate for policies” that benefit patients.
“We hope that the coming years bring even greater advancements, stronger partnerships and a broader understanding of the role medicinal cannabis can play in holistic healthcare,” AMCA said in a message to members.
AMCA was established in 2020 by Lucy Haslam, Teresa Nicoletti, Gail Wiseman and Justin Sinclair. It was formed in the same week that Cannabiz launched a dedicated news resource for the medicinal cannabis sector.
AMCA chair Dr Teresa Nicoletti said the association has stood as a “beacon of hope and a force for compassionate change” since its inception.
“In a sector often laden with misunderstanding, stigma and complex regulation, AMCA has fearlessly represented the breadth of the medicinal cannabis sector, championing the rights of patients, the integrity of scientific inquiry and the importance of safe, equitable access to medicinal cannabis,” she said.
“The seeds sown in its earliest days have blossomed into a movement that embraces collaboration, education and advocacy at every level.”
But she acknowledged the journey “has not always been easy” with the industry faced with “legislative hurdles, misconceptions, unethical practices and the ever-evolving nature of medical science”.
Yet AMCA has confronted such challenges with “unwavering resolve,” Nicoletti said.
“Each year has brought new challenges, but also new triumphs. The association’s work has contributed to policy reforms, greater public awareness and enhanced collaboration between healthcare professionals, patients, researchers and industry partners.”
Co-founder Lucy Haslam praised the dedication of all past and present board members, but stressed the work she started with son Dan in forming United in Compassion is far from over.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that the journey is ongoing,” she said. “There is still much work to be done to ensure that medicinal cannabis is accessible, affordable and destigmatised for all Australians who may benefit from it.”
ANTG chief scientific officer Justin Sinclair, who has sat on the AMCA board since it launched, said the impact of the association has resonated far beyond its own membership.
“Through persistent advocacy, AMCA has played an essential role in championing for the developing Australian industry and supporting healthcare providers through development of clearer guidelines and education,” he said.
“Educational initiatives have helped dispel myths and foster understanding among the public and healthcare providers alike. The Association’s commitment to evidence-based research has informed sound policy and the responsible integration of medicinal cannabis into mainstream medical care.”
Gail Wiseman, AMCA’s general manager, heralded its support of patients as a key pillar of its work, with the creation of the Compass compassionate access scheme among the highlights.
“AMCA has helped to humanise and destigmatise the use of medicinal cannabis. It is this focus on compassion – rooted in listening and responding to real patient needs – that sits at the heart of every AMCA initiative,” she said.
“For the future, my short term hope is that this sector cleans itself up, and that the government increases its support for local growers and manufacturers.
“In the longer term, my hope is that every patient’s GP eventually becomes more trusting, familiar and adept at prescribing MC for suitable patients.”
Nicoletti predicted the challenges and opportunities for medicinal cannabis will continue to evolve. Whatever the future holds, she insisted AMCA would meet it with “courage and optimism”.
“The association’s commitment to science, compassion and patient-centred care remains steadfast,” she said. “As chair, I look forward to seeing AMCA continue to play a central role in shaping the next chapter of medicinal cannabis policy and practice in Australia, through continued education, advocacy, research, collaboration and community-building.”