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Who we are

The Office of Drug Control (ODC) includes the Narcotics Control Section (NCS), Medicinal Cannabis Section (MCS) and the Monitoring and Compliance Section (MaCS).

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The ODC is part of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. At the ODC we regulate the narcotic drugs that are legal for use in Australia under controlled circumstances. We manage a license and permit process for import, export and manufacture of controlled drugs and cultivation of cannabis for use as a medicine.

Our work to regulate controlled drugs supports Australia’s obligations under international drug control conventions. We uphold Australia’s international obligation to maintain effective control of legal narcotic drugs used in medicine and research.

Narcotics Control Section (NCS)

The Narcotics Control Section (NCS) assesses applications to manufacture certain narcotic drugs and issues licences and permits. We assess applications to import or export certain narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, antibiotics and anabolic or androgenic substances. We also collect data to meet Australia’s reporting obligations to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

Narcotics Control Section (NCS) was formerly known as Drug Control Section (DCS).

Medicinal Cannabis Section (MCS)

This section assesses applications to cultivate, produce and manufacture medicinal cannabis and issues licences and permits. We also support the Australian Advisory Council on the Medicinal Use of Cannabis which provides advice to the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care. The Council advises on medicinal cannabis issues as they relate to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967.

Monitoring and Compliance Section (MaCS)

This section of Authorised Inspectors undertakes compliance and monitoring activities for licence and permit holders who cultivate, produce and manufacture Narcotic Drugs.  Our inspections provide assurance that licence and permit holders are meeting their obligations under the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967. The inspections also educate industry members and prevent any diversion of narcotic drugs.

Related links

Licences
List of approved manufacturers and suppliers of medicinal cannabis products
Monitoring and compliance