Apply for a medicinal cannabis licence

A medicinal cannabis licence authorises you to:

• grow cannabis plants – cultivation
• remove resin, flowers or fruiting tops from the plant – production
• transform cannabis and resin into a drug or extract – manufacture.

You can apply for a licence at any time, including after building or fitting out your facility. Be aware not all applications are granted.

After you get a licence, you need to apply for a permit. You can’t start activities until you have both a licence and relevant permits. 

Before you apply

Read and understand the process to grow, produce or manufacture cannabis in Australia.

You must give supporting information when you apply. This can include:

• evidence that you are a ‘fit and proper person’
• site and security details.  

Fit and proper person

• identity documents
• details about your reputation and business experience
• business and other associates
• details of financial standing

Site and security details

• site and detailed floor plans  
• satellite image with a security overlay of the proposed site
• details of authorised persons
• security policy or standard operating procedure  
• state or territory licences or authorisations

You will need to sign in or create an account with Health Business Services when you apply.

Take care when you review and submit your application.

You may need to reapply if you make a substantial error. This includes repayment of the application fee. 

Apply

After you have paid the fee we will assess your application.

The target time for assessment is about 9 months.

We may ask for extra information in this time.

We will notify you of the decision.

Correct or withdraw application

If withdrawing, the application fee is not refundable.  

To correct or withdraw after submitting, email mcs.application@health.gov.au

After your licence is granted, you must also get a relevant permit.

You must have a licence and permit before starting activities.

Apply for a medicinal cannabis permit – cultivation and productionApply for a medicinal cannabis permit – manufacture

Site or authorised person changes

You can apply for a variation to your medicinal cannabis licence. This includes to:

• add a site to your licence
• add or remove authorised persons
• change the name of the licence holder
• change site layout, floorplans or security measures
• change, add or remove activities.

Making a variation costs from $595 to $12,280.

Read how to apply for a variation to a medicinal cannabis licence.

To get help with your application call (02) 6289 4618 or email mcs.application@health.gov.au