MCEWG, Meeting 7, 25 February 2026
The Medicinal Cannabis Expert Working Group (MCEWG) met for its seventh meeting in Canberra on Wednesday 25 February 2026.
The MCEWG membership comprises of a diverse group of experts in the medicinal cannabis field, including researchers, consumer and industry representatives and health practitioners with expertise in general practice, neurology, mental health, pain management, palliative care and pharmacy.
The following topics were discussed:
Review of the MCEWG 2024-2026
Outcomes of review of the MCEWG by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing ahead of the completion of the group’s first tenure (2024-26) were discussed. The review highlighted the significant contribution of the MCEWG to the strengthening of the medicinal cannabis regulation and policy framework in Australia. The Working Group has been approved to continue for another 2-year tenure.
Discussion and update on the TGA consultation process
Key findings from submissions to the TGA public consultation Reviewing the safety and regulatory oversight of unapproved medicinal cannabis products (the consultation) were presented to members for discussion. It was noted that the TGA received a high volume of submissions to the consultation, with key finding and next steps summarised at Consultation: Reviewing the safety and regulatory oversight of unapproved medicinal cannabis products - Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Recent research
Two Australian research studies in the field of cannabis were presented;
- Presentation on Cannabis-related hospitalisations.
- Presentation on the use of medicinal cannabis for palliation in paediatric settings.
Next meeting
The next MCEWG meeting will be held in July 2026.