Southport medicinal cannabis manufacturing facility opens

The Morrison Government continues to boost the nation’s medicinal cannabis sector, following the opening of a medicinal cannabis manufacturing facility in Southport, Queensland.

The THC Global facility will have the capacity to produce the equivalent of 120 tonnes of medicinal cannabis in oil or capsule form, to meet growing demand in Australia, and secure export opportunities.

Federal Member for Moncrieff, Angie Bell, said the facility brought with it “tremendous opportunities for the local community and medicinal cannabis sector in Australia”.

“This facility will build our local industry, meet domestic and international demand, and create economic growth and jobs,” Ms Bell said.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the opening of the THC facility showcased the Morrison Government’s “commitment to boosting local industry and helping those living with chronic or terminal illnesses”.

“We want a robust Australian medical cannabis industry to ensure a safe, quality supply of medicinal cannabis is accessible to Australian patients, when prescribed by a medical professional.”

The Morrison Government continues to make it easier for doctors to access medicinal cannabis products more rapidly, while maintaining strict safeguards for individual and community safety.

Doctors can apply under the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s Special Access Scheme Category B, or via an Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme to legally prescribe medicinal cannabis products.

The Special Access Scheme (SAS) online system allows prescribers in Queensland to submit their applications on behalf of patients in a single online application, which are processed within 2 working days.

As of 31 July 2019, over 11,000 approvals now been given under SAS in Australia for medicinal cannabis products. Over 8,500 patients have been authorised to access a medicinal cannabis product through the Special Access and Authorised Prescriber Schemes. Approximately one-third of these approvals have been granted for patients in Queensland.

The Morrison Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued investment of record funding into vital health initiatives including medical research, mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.

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