TGA Leadership to Address Prescribers
Officials from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are scheduled to join prescribers at the third annual conference hosted by the Australian and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP) in Noosa. The event, commencing on May 29 at Elysium Noosa Resort, will feature key TGA personnel providing updates on current regulatory pathways for medicinal cannabis. This engagement highlights the ongoing dialogue between regulators and clinicians regarding the practical application of cannabinoid therapies within the Australian and New Zealand healthcare systems.
Office of Drug Control Assistant Secretary Avi Rebera and Assistant Director of the TGA’s medicinal cannabis regulatory reforms section, Deborah Greenbaum, are slated to present. Their participation is expected to offer health practitioners insights into the Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber Scheme, alongside updates on the TGA’s broader regulatory review processes. These schemes remain central to the legal framework governing access to medicinal cannabis products in Australia.
Conference Agenda and Industry Context
The ANZCCP conference, themed ‘precision, compassion, evolution – the next chapter in cannabinoid medicine,’ will span three days. Discussions will encompass recent research findings and practical clinical insights relevant to cannabinoid medicine. The gathering occurs amidst industry discussions regarding regulatory reform, external scrutiny, and fluctuations in product pricing.
Dr. Orit Holtzman, ANZCCP vice president, noted that practitioners are under increasing pressure to demonstrate the role of medicinal cannabis in healthcare. She stated, “On both sides, clinicians are navigating prescribing standards, affordability barriers, and the pressure to demonstrate that this field deserves its place in legitimate healthcare.” The conference aims to facilitate collaboration among clinicians and researchers addressing these challenges.
Key Speakers and Topics
The conference program includes a range of speakers from various fields. Among them are:
- Dr. Michael Murphy: A New Zealand‑based acute care clinician and ANZCCP board member.
- Professor Dedi Meiri: An Israeli researcher.
- Associate Professor Judith Lacey: A palliative and supportive care specialist.
- Luiza Guizan: Clinical educator for Medical Cannabis Australia, who will address national and state regulations.
- Mandi Jacobson: From law firm Thomson Geer, discussing advertising compliance within regulatory frameworks.
- Dr. Shiksha Gallow: From South Africa, focusing on compassion in clinical cannabinoid practice.
- Roei Zerahia: From MSICS Pharma in Israel, presenting research on psilocybin.
Additional speakers include Dr. Jim Connell, nurse practitioner Lisa Dick, Dr. David Gunn, Assistant Professor Daryl Efron, Dr. Jeremy Lim, and Dr. Priya Ayyar, contributing to a comprehensive overview of current issues and advancements in cannabinoid medicine.
Implications for Medicinal Cannabis Regulation
The presence of TGA officials at the ANZCCP conference underscores the ongoing dialogue between regulators and practitioners regarding medicinal cannabis regulation. Updates on prescribing pathways and regulatory reviews are particularly relevant for investors, operators, and legal professionals navigating the Australian market. The discussions are anticipated to provide clarity on compliance requirements and potential future policy directions affecting the sector.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette does not provide medical recommendations, diagnoses, or treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or any medical condition. Statements concerning the therapeutic uses of hemp, cannabis, or cannabinoid‑derived products have not been evaluated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are accessed via prescription pathways under TGA regulation.
