THE Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is continuing its clamp down on unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis products.
The medicines regulator issued 18 infringement notices totalling $239,760 to two NSW-based companies running medicinal cannabis clinics, in relation to the promotion of products on their websites and social media platforms.
The Australian Institute of Medicinal Cannabis Pty Ltd was issued eight notices totalling $106,560, while Biologics Research Institute Australia Pty Ltd, was handed 10 notices amounting to $133,200.
"The companies allegedly promoted the use of unregistered prescription-only medicinal cannabis products," the TGA said.
"TGA further alleges that the advertising included unapproved references to serious diseases or conditions, including cancer and epilepsy.
"Some advertising also allegedly suggested or implied that particular medicinal cannabis products were recommended or approved by a government authority.
"Prescription-only medicines cannot be advertised to consumers in Australia as it undermines the doctor-patient relationship and may create an inappropriate demand for particular medicines which may not be right for the individual."
Meanwhile, the TGA has issued five infringement notices, totalling $13,320 to a Western Australian health practitioner in relation to alleged unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis on a website and social media channels.
The health practitioner allegedly promoted products that were not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, and used unapproved references to serious conditions, such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.
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