Company fined $118k for alleged illegal medicinal cannabis advertising
A company advertising itself as offering alternative healthcare has been hit with an $118,800 fine from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) after alleged illegal advertising practices relating to medicinal cannabis.
Dispensed Pty Ltd was hit with six infringement notices for advertising prescription-only medicinal cannabis on third-party websites and social media, which included indirect references to the product.
This is not permitted under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, which outlaws the advertisement of prescription medicine to the public.
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Medical cannabis has been legal in Australia since March 2017, but like all prescription medicines, there are advertising rules companies must follow. Nine / Paul Harris
"Such advertising can create inappropriate demand for these medicines and undermine the relationship between a patient and their treating health practitioner," a statement from the TGA said today.
"Appropriate treatment options should be determined by a health professional in consultation with their patient."
The company has paid the fines and was also given a direct notice.
The notice means Dispensed will have to stop all advertisement of medicinal cannabis on its own websites or on third-party platforms, and recover any advertising material still in circulation.
Dispensed has been approached for comment.
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