Medicinal Cannabis Expert Working Group (MCEWG)

Role and objective

The Medicinal Cannabis Expert Working Group (MCEWG) is a non-statutory committee established on 21 March 2024. The MCEWG succeeds the Australian Advisory Council on the Medicinal Use of Cannabis, whose tenure expired in 2023.

The Deputy Secretary, Health Products Regulation Group, Department of Health and Aged Care is both the establishing authority and appointing authority.

The MCEWG provides advice to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care on issues relating to the medicinal use of cannabis, in accordance with the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 and the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. It aims to address emerging issues and developments in the field of medicinal cannabis.

The MCEWG’s input and advice may also inform departmental advice to Government.

Membership

The Deputy Secretary, Health Products Regulation Group, appoints the MCEWG’s Chair and members. 

Collectively, the group includes members with qualifications and expertise in areas relating to the use and regulation of medicinal cannabis, including: medicinal or scientific research, pharmacology, specialist or general medical practice, specialist expertise in mental health, addiction medicine and/or alcohol and other drugs, regulation, public health policy, patient advocacy (including people with lived experience), or relevant medicinal cannabis or pharmaceutical industry experience. 

The Medicinal Cannabis  Expert Working Group consists of members with qualifications and expertise in areas relating to the use and regulation of medicinal cannabis, including: 

• Expert in medicinal cannabis research
• Patient advocate
• Psychiatrist representing the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry
• General practitioner with extensive experience in medicinal cannabis prescribing representing the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
• Representatives of Industry
• Expert in epilepsy treatment and research
• Representative of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
• Palliative care nurse practitioner representing Nurse Practitioners
• Consumer advocate representing Consumer Health Forum Australia
• Expert in pain medicine representing the Faculty of Pain Medicine, Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
• Registered pharmacists

Meetings and communiques 

Current and increasing interest in medicinal cannabis in Australia supports the MCEWG conducting up to four meetings per calendar year with consideration of out-of-session meetings to address urgent matters concerning medicinal cannabis, should they arise. These meetings may be undertaken face-to-face or virtually.