Australian Advisory Council on the Medicinal Use of Cannabis (AACMC)

The Australian Advisory Council on the Medicinal Use of Cannabis (the Council) was established in 2016 with the Minister for Health and Aged Care as both the establishing authority and appointing authority.

The Council was extended for three consecutive tenures, with its third and final two-year term expiring on 30 June 2023.

The Council provided advice to the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care on issues relating to the medicinal use of cannabis in accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and the implementation of the regulatory scheme under the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967.

Going forward the Council will be reconstituted to a Medicinal Cannabis Expert Working Group.

The Medicinal Cannabis Expert Working Group will provide advice to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (the department) on matters relating to the medicinal use of cannabis, including in accordance with the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 and the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

The Expert Working Group’s input and advice will inform Department advice to Government.

The Expert Working Group will comprise a Chair and other Members appointed by the Deputy Secretary, Health Products Regulation Group, Department of Health and Aged Care.

Collectively, Members will have relevant qualifications, expertise or experience in areas relating to the use and regulation of medicinal cannabis, including: medicinal or scientific research, pharmacology, specialist or general medical practice, specialist expertise in mental health, addiction medicine and/or alcohol and other drugs, nursing, legal, law enforcement, regulation, public health policy, patient advocacy (including people with lived experience), or relevant medicinal cannabis or pharmaceutical industry experience.

Details of members serving on the expert working group will be published following its establishment, anticipated by the end of 2023.

Current and increasing interest in medicinal cannabis in Australia, supports the Council conducting up to four meetings per calendar year, with consideration of out-of-session meetings to address urgent matters concerning medicinal cannabis should they arise. These meetings may be undertaken face-to-face or via videoconference.

The Office of Drug Control, part of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, provided secretariat support to the Council.

Questions, comments, or enquiries can be made at MCCouncil@health.gov.au.