Australian and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP) president Dr Adele Hosseini reflects on the body’s second annual conference and what it means for the future of medicinal cannabis.
The ANZCCP Conference 2025, held on the Gold Coast last weekend, reflected the maturity and momentum now shaping cannabinoid medicine in Australia and New Zealand.
As president, I was proud to witness the depth of expertise, scientific rigour, and collaborative spirit across the three days.
This year’s theme, Innovation in cannabinoid medicine: from bench research to clinical mastery, highlights a shift from early-stage advocacy to responsible integration. Our focus is now firmly on ethical prescribing, clinician education, and embedding medicinal cannabis into patient-centred models of care.
Elevating ethical, evidence-based practice
A key highlight of the conference was the unveiling of ANZCCP’s draft prescribing guidance. Developed by our board and expert working groups, this initiative provides a practical, ethical framework for safe prescribing, covering patient selection, informed consent, clinical monitoring, and ongoing review. It positions medicinal cannabis within the scope of mainstream, responsible medicine.
Ethics also featured prominently in discussions on accessibility. Like all medicines, cannabinoid therapies must be equitable, not reserved for the few.
Meeting needs where options are limited
Several sessions focused on emerging clinical applications for patients with limited or ineffective treatment options. Associate Professor Mike Armour’s presentation on gynaecological pain, particularly endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, offered compelling data that strengthens the case for cannabis-based treatments where current approaches often fall short.
Similarly, Associate Professor Daryl Efron shared valuable insights into the role of cannabinoids in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental challenges.
Dr Mark Hardy, Dr Dev Banerjee, Dr Bryce Joynson and Professor Peter Gonski also shared clinical perspectives on managing dependence risk, sleep disorders, ADHD and geriatric care.
These are not just promising areas, they are also areas of deep patient need. We are seeing medicinal cannabis open therapeutic possibilities in complex, chronic conditions that have historically left patients suffering in silence or stuck in cycles of inadequate care.
Supporting prescribers and the broader care team
Many clinicians remain hesitant about prescribing due to regulatory complexity and limited training. ANZCCP continues to prioritise education through resources and events like our clinical workshops, where experienced prescribers, including Dr Jim Connell and Dr Imran Khan, share practical tools on integrating cannabis into clinical settings.
We also acknowledge that prescribing should not happen in isolation. That’s why we engaged nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals throughout the conference. A safe, sustainable cannabinoid prescribing ecosystem depends on a coordinated, multidisciplinary ‘village of care’.
Industry’s role in quality and research
From an industry perspective, the message was clear: we must deliver consistent, pharmaceutical-grade products that are both high quality and affordable. Patients deserve confidence in what they’re prescribed.
We also urge industry partners to continue investing in independent research and clinician education. Commercial success must align with scientific integrity. The future of cannabinoid medicine depends on a robust evidence base supported by transparent, collaborative research.
Looking ahead
The ANZCCP Conference 2025 made it clear that cannabinoid medicine has entered a new era, one that calls for leadership, responsibility, and unity. We must bring more clinicians into the fold through education and mentorship, and ensure that cannabinoid therapies are integrated into holistic care that respects the patient–doctor relationship.
As president of ANZCCP, I am both proud and humbled by the work of our board, members, and the wider community of clinicians, researchers, educators and industry partners and their commitment to advancing cannabinoid medicine.
