Cannabiz co-founder Martin Lane will quiz former Greens leader Richard Di Natale on the future for medicinal cannabis access in Australia at next week’s ACannabis conference.
As the inaugural chair of the Healthcare Practitioner/Patient Advisory Council, Di Natale is uniquely placed to comment on the current regulatory landscape, the importance of GP education and the most effective ways to advocate for the medicine in the corridors of power.
He will join Lane for a fireside chat on day one.
Meanwhile, ACannabis organiser Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA) has announced the launch of the Olivia Newton-John Service to Industry Award, with nominations being opened by her husband Amazon John Easterling during the conference.
MCIA said: “The award will honour Olivia’s work in raising awareness of and advocating for medicinal cannabis as a new plant-based therapy and supporting research that can help develop therapies and educate patients and healthcare professionals about kinder options for treating cancer.
“[It] will acknowledge those in the Australian industry who have provided exceptional service… and carry on the values shown by Olivia Newton-John.”
The award will be presented later in the year.
MCIA chair Peter Crock added: “We are particularly honoured to have Olivia’s husband John Easterling with us at ACannabis to formally open the call for nominations for the inaugural 2023 Service to Industry Award.”
“Awards such as this drive innovation and knowledge sharing, both within and outside the industry… [and] showcase Australian success to domestic and global stakeholders.”
Other sessions at ACannabis include a panel on the future state of TGO 93 featuring the TGA’s Jenny Burnett, and a spotlight on emerging researchers facilitated by Professor Iain McGregor from the Lambert Initiative.
Day one will also feature a course for healthcare practitioners with continuous professional development (CPD) hours available run by Australia and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners president Dr Orit Holtzman.
ACannabis takes place at Melbourne Park’s Centrepiece venue on March 14-15 and Cannabiz members are entitled to a 15% discount on all ticket types.
To take advantage, enter the code CANNABIZ15 when making a booking.
For more information, click here.
