The industry has been urged to drive out ‘cowboys’ by informing authorities of illegal advertising and exposing baseless medical claims, particularly those made by celebrities.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration said it was striving to tackle the problem, but admitted it was struggling to win the battle.
Join the Cannabiz revolution
Want to stay ahead of the cannabis curve with the latest local and international news, analysis and intelligence and access to Australia's legal cannabis industry?
This article is included with our Premium subscription.
TGA boss John Skerritt said the health regulator has received 400 complaints relating to the advertising and supply of medicinal cannabis by “websites and clinics”.
“This partly reflects that it’s a new industry and partly because there are some cowboys,” he said.
While advertising of medicinal cannabis products by Australian firms is banned, the TGA does not have jurisdiction over offshore firms marketing locally.
Among the major frustrations are endorsements and claims made by celebrities surrounding CBD.
TGA first assistant secretary of regulatory health, Gillian Mitchell, called on the industry to “drown out” celebrity messaging.
Speaking during this week’s PharmOut Medicinal Cannabis Conference, Mitchell said a newly drawn up list of priorities for advertising compliance again included medicinal cannabis.