Australian cannabis growers are calling on medicinal cannabis companies to support domestic producers as homegrown supply grows in capacity, quality and variety.
During Medicinal Cannabis Awareness Week (MCAW), Australian Cannabis Cultivators chair Emily Rigby said: “In an industry flooded with imported medicines, it’s so important that we support and promote Australian-grown cannabis.”
Reports last week confirmed that Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd), a disease capable of causing serious damage to crops, has been detected in Australia.
Rigby said the Australian Cannabis Cultivators (ACC) group was established late last year to provide support for growers, and that the HLVd issue would be raised at its next meeting.
She added: “Our ACC group chat on Slack has been sharing information on HLVd including what samples need to be sent for testing.”
Although changes to TGO93 that came into force on July 1, 2023 were designed to create equal footing between Australian and international suppliers, Cann Group’s Mildura cultivation manager Angus Murray pointed to further reasons to back local production.
“Until recently, the industry faced challenges with local production and prestige,” he said. “Now, with capacity on Australian shores, medicinal cannabis businesses must assess if imported material surpasses locally cultivated cannabis in niche fulfilment, quality, diversity and sustainability.
“Mapping the value stream, domestic cropping wins every time – it reduces supply-chain complexities, and fewer shipping disruptions give local producers a clear edge.
“Beyond just national pride, supporting good-quality local growers contributes to economic output, job creation, and transferable skills in the broader biotech, high-tech agriculture and pharmaceutical industry.”
Medicinal Harvest director Andrew Olley said that sourcing supply locally would also help reduce the stigma attached to the medicine, one of the central aims of MCAW.
“Australian cultivators play an important role in removing the stigma surrounding medicinal cannabis within Australian society,” he said. “Domestic cultivation by agricultural experts, typically in high-tech facilities, demonstrates the professionalism of the industry.
“The public can be assured that Australian cultivation of medicinal cannabis is in safe hands, contributing positively to the needs of patients.”
Tasmanian Botanics head of cultivation Max Edgley described Awareness Week as “a great chance to shine a light on the benefits of this plant and the positive impact it can have on our communities, as well as to highlight the passion and dedication of those involved in the industry”.
Rigby added: “It’s great to see MCAW engaging the broader community, including patients, healthcare practitioners, researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers alongside our growers.”
