West Australian health practitioner fined $13,320 for alleged unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued five infringement notices totalling $13,320 to a West Australian registered health practitioner. The notices are for the alleged unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis products on a website and through social media.

The health practitioner is alleged to have advertised medicinal cannabis products:

• that are not TGA approved, that is not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
• that are prescription-only medicines and therefore cannot be advertised to consumers
• using unapproved references to serious diseases or conditions, such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.

The TGA facilitates legal pathways for medical practitioners to prescribe medicinal cannabis to patients. However, like in most Western countries, it is illegal to advertise prescription medicines directly to consumers. This is because advertising of prescription medicines undermines the doctor-patient relationship and may create an inappropriate demand for particular medicines which may not be right for the individual. It is possible to promote health services without also specifically advertising medicinal cannabis

Ensuring compliance with the import, advertising and supply requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 in relation to medicinal cannabis is a compliance priority for the TGA. We will continue to investigate and take action in relation to alleged non-compliance.

If you suspect non-compliance in relation to therapeutic goods, you can report illegal or questionable practices online. The TGA encourages the reporting of suspected non-compliant advertising.

Contact for members of the media:

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