Former Greens leader Richard Di Natale will sit down for a fireside chat with journalist Martin Lane at next week's ACannabis conference, where the conversation will focus on the future of medicinal cannabis access in Australia.
As the inaugural chair of the Healthcare Practitioner/Patient Advisory Council, Di Natale is well positioned to speak to current regulatory conditions, the need for GP education, and the most effective channels for advocating the medicine's cause to policymakers.
The fireside chat is scheduled for day one of the event.
In a separate announcement, ACannabis organiser Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA) has confirmed the launch of the Olivia Newton-John Service to Industry Award, with nominations to be officially opened by her husband Amazon John Easterling at 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 itself 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."
The program also includes a panel examining the future of TGO 93, featuring the TGA's Jenny Burnett, along with a spotlight on emerging researchers led by Professor Iain McGregor from the Lambert Initiative.
Day one will additionally offer 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. A 15% discount on all ticket types is available by entering the code at the time of booking.
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