You will require this licence if you intend to cultivate or produce medicinal cannabis. It is important to note that cannabis may only be grown under this licence for medicinal purposes only. You will be required to hold additional licensing with your State or Territory Government if you intend to grow industrial hemp.
On 24 December 2021, The Narcotic Drugs Amendment (Medicinal Cannabis) Act 2021 (Amendment Act) commenced, providing amendments to the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 (Narcotic Drugs Act) to implement changes recommended by Professor John McMillan AO in his review of the Act on which he reported in 2019.
The main change for licences is to adopt a single licence model for medicinal cannabis regulation. In most cases, the licence will also be perpetual, meaning it will be granted for an unlimited period of time (but is subject to surrender, suspension or revocation in accordance with the Act).
The consolidation of three licences into one licence will remove duplication, while still regulating the activities authorised under the licence.
Further information is available on the Office of Drug Control website on the medicinal cannabis single licence and permit reforms. Licence and permit application documents and relevant guidance material on the Office of Drug Control website.
