MCIA chair Peter Crock says the Australian medicinal cannabis industry can be world leading, as long as we work together and always put patients first.
Australia’s medicinal cannabis sector is still a fledgling industry and it is vital patients have trust and confidence in the sector and its products.
To achieve that trust, it’s important like-minded organisations come together to express different views, have constructive discussions supported by investment in evidentiary research, and work towards improved outcomes for patients, the community and the industry.
At Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA), our vision is to have an innovative, responsible and legally compliant industry delivering both economic and social value. We are focused on individual well-being, fostering collaboration and building confidence across the medicinal cannabis sector so patients can effectively access this valuable new medicine.
A major part of our activity involves advocating for key policies and outcomes to support the sector in areas such as patient access, regulatory efficiency, harmonisation and compliance and product integrity.
A key achievement of the past 12 months is the establishment of the independent Medicinal Cannabis Health Advisory Council, whose members are focused on providing advice to the sector and Government in relation to improved patient access.
Chaired by Richard Di Natalie – a champion of the medicinal cannabis industry – this council of highly regarded experts will provide an important patient voice and engagement with the healthcare sector.
The establishment of the Parliamentary Friends of Medicinal Cannabis Group in Canberra is another milestone. Co-convened by parliamentarians across all parties, this group is an important forum for MPs to learn the benefits of medicinal cannabis, ultimately improving education and awareness across the community.
The production of Australian medicinal cannabis products occurs in accordance with the highest standards of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, which positions our industry positively in domestic and global markets. However, it is important all patients have access to a quality controlled, true-to-label, compliant and affordable product.
Australia is well placed to lead the world with quality medicinal cannabis, deliver next generation patient well-being, and develop a new export industry. The future for our sector is exciting, as long as we all work together and keep patients and their wellbeing at the forefront of our focus and activities.
We need an effective and united voice.