Cannabis Council Australia TGO 93 Working Party to champion patient safety, quality, and sector sustainability

Cannabis Council Australia (CCA) today convened the inaugural meeting of its TGO 93 Working Party, uniting members of its Reform Working Group with additional sector leaders and experts to drive the future of medicinal cannabis standards in Australia. The Working Party established a unified, patient-centred approach designed to build long-term sector sustainability by strengthening trust in the safety and quality of medicinal cannabis products.

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The Working Party’s initial task is to navigate and shape the upcoming Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) remaking of Therapeutic Goods Order 93. TGO 93 sets the minimum quality standard for medicinal cannabis products supplied in Australia and is due to sunset on 1 April 2027.

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During an extensive open discussion, members agreed that while their immediate focus will be on uplifting TGO 93 requirements, they will also be taking a longer term view in consideration of evolving regulatory requirements, compliance frameworks and enforcement mechanisms that come with anticipated regulatory reform.

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In approaching the uplift of TGO 93, the working party recognised that proposed changes need to be supported by a clear rationale, and acknowledged even small changes will have commercial implications. It also noted the TGA has indicated there would be a transition period to enable Sponsors to adjust to any new requirements. 

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“The group’s commitment to patient-centred reform and driving a more sustainable and credible Australian medicinal cannabis sector was palpable at today’s meeting,” said CCA CEO Lisa Penlington. “We’re fortunate to have such a committed group of experts with considerable technical expertise, and we’re looking forward to the work ahead.”

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Tthe TGO 93 Working Party includes expertise beyond CCA’s Supporters, and welcomes input from across the sector. 

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“Submissions to the TGA consultation last year showed that the sector supports an uplift in TGO 93,” said Ms Penlington. “Once our initial draft on the remaking of the TGO Order 93 is further advanced, we expect to consult more widely across the sector, with the aim of aligning on the key changes to be made to TGO 93."

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