A new industry body has been formed to position Australia as a leader in the production of medical cannabis.
The Medical Cannabis Council, launching in Melbourne on Thursday, will be the unifying voice for the industry to engage with governments on all matters concerning medical cannabis.
Medical experts who have long advocated for the regulated access to medical cannabis products are among the board members, including Carol Ireland, the CEO of Epilepsy Action Australia, and Professor Mark Cook, Head of Neurology at Melbourne's St Vincent's Hospital.
Adam Miller founder of BuddingTech - a medical cannabis technology start-up - says the government may have provided a pathway for the prescription of medical cannabis but the process is "somewhat complicated".
To date, fewer than 150 patients in Australia have access to medical cannabis, while the industry is still navigating the regulations around cultivation licensing.
Mr Miller says supporting the industry will ultimately ensure patients have greater access to medical cannabis in the future.
"The aim of the council is to remove any confusion still surrounding the legal framework and accessibility of medical cannabis so the most at-need patients can understand their rights and the availability of the products," Mr Miller said.
Another key aim of the council is to support Australian-based medical cannabis trials and research.
Cardiologist Dr Ross Walker, who describes medical cannabis as a "wonder drug", is also a member of the council and says it's imperative that more research is done.
There are recent studies showing the effectiveness of some products in patients with schizophrenia and also anxiety, Dr Walker said, while access to regulated products for patients, as well as commencement of clinical trials and research is essential for the industry.
The council's launch coincides with the three-day United in Compassion Medical Cannabis Symposium.
Experts in the field will gather from Friday with the aim of providing greater clarity on medical cannabis and its use.
Part of the program will include an Australia-first workshop for doctors.
Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will also address the symposium
Dr David Caldicott from ANU hopes the workshop will ease the fear many doctors have when it comes to medicinal cannabis.
"This is a medical issue, not a political one. Our workshop is designed to bring Australian healthcare practitioners up to speed on the pros and cons of using cannabis as treatment, for appropriate conditions," Dr Caldicott said.
It's not fear but a lack of evidence that has many health leader wary about rushing widespread access.
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and the Australian Medical Association (AMA) want to see more robust clinical trials done to ensure positive patient outcomes.
AMA President Dr Michael Gannon says appropriate care and diligence that is used for all other therapeutic products must also apply to medicinal cannabis.
"We can't put the cart in front of the horse," Mr Gannon said.
