When medicinal cannabis firms expand into international markets, they quickly discover that moving product across borders is nothing like domestic distribution.
The paperwork is complex, regulations vary by jurisdiction, and a single documentation error can stall a shipment entirely.
It’s a problem Australian-based freight company Inter World Shipping has built its business around solving.
Run by brothers Arky and Stephen Kalithrakas, the family operation brings more than 20 years of combined logistics experience to the task.
Two years after entering the medicinal cannabis sector, the company now handles freight for 23 medicinal cannabis businesses globally, moving large monthly tonnage across international routes, including Thailand to Australia, and Australian exports to the US, Germany, UK, Portugal and Denmark.
Air freight is the primary mode, with most shipments delivered door-to-door within three to seven days.
For Arky, the work is also personal. He has followed the industry for nearly a decade and read books by prominent experts including Dr Peter Grinspoon, who spoke at February’s United in Compassion conference.
“I followed its journey from criminalisation to regulated use and waited for the right time to combine that passion with my logistics background,” he said. “Now I’m proud to be helping move medicinal cannabis to the patients who need it.”
Import and export permits, controlled substance classifications and customs requirements vary between jurisdictions, and small mismatches in documentation can throw a sizeable spanner in the works, he said.
“Between strict documentation requirements and the time sensitive nature of the product, getting it right is critical”
Arky kalithrakas
Inter World Shipping checks paperwork on both sides before dispatch, flagging issues early, coordinating with customs and regulators where needed, and giving clients real-time visibility throughout transit.
“The import and export of medicinal cannabis in Australia is still a developing space. Between strict documentation requirements and the time-sensitive nature of the product, getting it right is critical,” Kalithrakas said.
“We manage the freight process end-to-end, and with our experience in this space, we know exactly what to look for – saving customers time and avoiding unnecessary delays.”
When flower is in transit, temperature control is a major variable. The product can degrade if exposed to improper conditions, with the risk compounded on long-haul routes involving connecting flights.
To counter this, Inter World Shipping plans routes with seasonal temperatures at transit points in mind, requires thermal blankets and appropriate insulation, and supplies packaging materials where needed.
The operation runs around the clock to stay aligned with suppliers and customers across time zones.
“Our goal is simple. We take the stress out of logistics so our customers can focus on growing their business and helping patients,” Arky added.
For more information, contact Arky Kalithrakas on +61 400 688 884 or email ar**@*************om.au.