26 November 2025
Consumers Health Forum (CHF) is the national peak body representing the interests of Australian healthcare consumers and those with an interest in healthcare consumer affairs. CHF works to achieve safe, quality, and timely healthcare for all Australians, supported by accessible health information and systems. At the heart of CHF’s policy agenda is patient-centred care, and therefore, we appreciate the opportunity to provide a submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for their review of the safety and regulatory oversight of unapproved medicinal cannabis products (the Review).
In 2021, CHF provided input to Health Products Regulation Group regarding the TGA consultation on “potential reforms to medicinal cannabis manufacturing, labelling and packaging requirements”. At that time of the consultation, CHF expressed support for the introduction of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements and consistent labelling standards for both unapproved and approved medicinal cannabis products. Since CHF’s previous input, CHF presently supports a review of the current regulatory reforms on unapproved medicinal cannabis products in Australia. Ensuring that medicines are safe, high-quality, affordable and accessible is essential for consumers. The CHF is committed to making sure that health regulations are shaped by these priorities, placing consumer needs at the centre of policy and decision-making.
Given the short timeframe of the consultation period for the Review and lack of specific resourcing for consumer consultation, we were unable to do an in-depth consultation with the wider community on this important regulatory reform. We strongly recommend that future consultations are afforded sufficient time and funding to prioritise consumer engagement. Engaging directly and meaningfully with consumers of unapproved medicinal cannabis can, not only contribute valuable insights into improving the quality and safety of these products but also act as a vehicle through which we can build consumers’ trust in the healthcare system.
