Trava Health Pty Ltd fined for alleged unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued infringement notices to a medicinal cannabis clinic, Trava Health Pty Ltd, for the alleged unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis on their website and social media pages.

It is alleged that the advertisements made unapproved references that the products could be used to treat serious diseases or conditions, known as prohibited and restricted representations.

Five infringement notices totalling $82,500 were issued to the company, and 3 notices totalling $9,900 were issued to an individual.

Medicinal cannabis products are prescription-only medicines that cannot be advertised to Australian consumers. Advertising of prescription-only medicines directly to consumers undermines the doctor-patient relationship and may create an inappropriate demand for medicines which may not be right for the individual.

The TGA reminds individuals and businesses that unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis products is a breach of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 for which serious penalties can apply, including fines, or civil or criminal court action.

Ensuring compliance with the advertising requirements of the Act across the medicinal cannabis industry is a priority for the TGA, and these fines follow other large fines issued by the TGA for similar offences.

The TGA will continue to investigate and take action in relation to alleged non-compliant advertising of medicinal cannabis products to the public. Several medicinal cannabis resources are available for consumers, health professionals and businesses explaining the advertising rules and legal access pathways.

You can report suspected non-compliant advertising on our website.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au 
• Phone: 02 6289 7400