Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA) has completed the Melbourne stop of its four-city tour of state capitals, during which industry stakeholders helped the organisation pinpoint the critical issues confronting the sector.
At the Melbourne event, more than 60 guests and VIPs heard from Reason Party leader and Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) deputy chair Fiona Patten, who addressed drug-driving reform in Victoria. Legalise Cannabis MP David Ettershank also spoke, updating attendees on his party's work in parliament to address that issue alongside other matters affecting patients.
Jason McHeyzer, who heads the newly established AHPRA Rapid Regulatory Response Unit, held a separate meeting with the MCIA board and was also present at the event.
MCIA will now compile the feedback gathered from industry stakeholders throughout the roadshow in order to determine the sector's primary priorities.
Executive officer Patty Holmes said a preliminary review of the feedback points to several pressing concerns, including a clearer understanding of the regulatory framework — particularly around advertising and GMP compliance — education for healthcare practitioners and universities, and how the Office of Drug Control (ODC) intends to manage compliance with the UN Convention.
Holmes said she plans to examine the feedback in greater depth over the coming days so the findings can be brought to the next MCIA board meeting for discussion.
