The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia has initiated federal court proceedings against News Corp Australia's News Life Media and other firms for allegedly violating advertising regulations related to medicinal cannabis.

Anthony Lawler, head of the TGA, emphasized that these companies had been warned multiple times about their unlawful advertising practices.

Mamamia, founded in 2007 by Mia Freedman, has developed a substantial online presence, boasting millions of followers across social media platforms.

Specific articles under scrutiny include one from Mamamia featuring a nurse's endorsement of CBD oil and another from Body + Soul discussing the benefits of medical cannabis, both linking directly to the Atlus website.

The lawsuit also names Straight Up, a health and wellness public relations firm, alongside Mamamia, News Life Media, and Dr. Shimal Jobanputra, the director of Atlus.

Concerns have been raised about the integrity of the Mamamia article, as it was reportedly written by someone connected to a company involved in Atlus' marketing campaign.

The TGA has previously warned Atlus, Mamamia, and News Corp about these alleged breaches, highlighting the risks of inappropriate demand for prescription medicines and the need to uphold the patient-health professional relationship.

Under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, prescription medicines, including medicinal cannabis, cannot be advertised directly to the public without prior approval from the TGA.

In Australia, direct advertising of prescription medicines to the public is illegal, especially when it involves testimonials from healthcare professionals, which are strictly regulated by the TGA.

The TGA claims that articles published by Mamamia and Body + Soul promoted medicinal cannabis products from the alternative medicine website Atlus, featuring endorsements from medical professionals.