These groups are urging the Health Minister to implement tighter controls to prevent clinics operating outside standard medical pathways, which pose risks to patient safety.

Globally, the medical cannabis market is projected to exceed 65 billion dollars by 2030, reflecting its growing popularity and commercial expansion.

A recent report revealed that a doctor working for the cannabis company Montu issued approximately 72,000 prescriptions to around 10,000 patients over two years, highlighting potential overprescription issues.

While cannabis is appropriately prescribed for conditions like epilepsy, nausea from chemotherapy, and multiple sclerosis, many prescriptions are for conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, or depression, where evidence of benefit is limited.

Medical professionals warn that the system is being exploited, with serious adverse outcomes reported, and emphasize that prescriptions for unproven conditions lack scientific support.

The AMA has recorded over 400 adverse events linked to medicinal cannabis, with particular concern over increased poisonings among children and adolescents.

The number of Australians using medicinal cannabis has surged to over one million in 2025 from just 18,000 in 2019, following regulatory changes that expanded access, including notable users like politicians and sports stars.

Australian health authorities, including the Australian Medical Association and the Pharmacy Guild, are calling for stricter regulation of medicinal cannabis, citing concerns over unregulated prescribing practices, especially via telehealth, and the exploitation of access schemes for unapproved products.

Hospital data shows a rise in admissions related to cannabis-induced psychosis, dependence, and other health issues over the past decade, with experts noting use among individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.

Doctors have observed medical cannabis use among patients with pre-existing psychotic disorders, raising concerns about potential mental health risks.

Experts are alarmed about prescriptions being issued to vulnerable populations, including those with psychotic disorders, and the use of high-THC products that can worsen mental health issues.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reviewing safety concerns related to the rapid increase and variety of unapproved medicinal cannabis products, with feedback from consultations completed in October to enhance regulatory oversight.

Both the AMA and the Pharmacy Guild emphasize the urgent need for regulatory reforms to ensure proper clinical oversight of medicinal cannabis, similar to other controlled drugs, to prevent exploitation and safeguard patient health.