Celebrating a decade of Australian medicinal cannabis leadership as the industry reaches unprecedented scale
When Lucy and Daniel Haslam launched the first United in Compassion symposium in 2015, they could not have predicted where Australia’s medicinal cannabis journey would lead. Dan Haslam’s advocacy and the family’s tireless campaigning contributed directly to the landmark Narcotic Drugs Amendment Act 2016, which legalized commercial cannabis cultivation for medical and scientific purposes. A decade later, the symposium that began as a patient advocacy gathering has evolved into Australia’s definitive medicinal cannabis industry event.
AMCA UIC Brisbane 2026 returns to the Royal International Convention Centre from February 26-28, 2026, under the theme “Shaping the Future.” With over 1,000 expected delegates, approximately 100 speakers, and a comprehensive program spanning clinical practice, regulatory compliance, and commercial operations, this milestone edition offers unprecedented networking and learning opportunities.
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Australia dispensed 923,356 medicinal cannabis prescriptions in 2024, an 11% increase year-over-year, while domestic production reached 41,328 kg.
For licensed cultivators, manufacturers, and healthcare practitioners, the timing could not be more significant. The 10th anniversary symposium arrives as Australia’s medicinal cannabis sector continues its remarkable growth trajectory, with the market valued between AUD $500-700 million and projected for continued strong expansion.
AMCA UIC Brisbane 2026 at a Glance 🇦🇺
Dates
February 26-28, 2026
Location
Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC), Brisbane, Australia
Expected Attendance
1,000+ delegates, ~100 speakers
Official Website
ausmca.org/amca-uic-2026
Confirmed
Last verified: December 30, 2025
Brisbane
27.47°S 153.03°E
Who Should Attend AMCA UIC Brisbane
AMCA UIC attracts decision-makers across Australia’s medicinal cannabis ecosystem, from prescribing practitioners to licensed producers and regulatory professionals.
Healthcare practitioners prescribing cannabis via SAS-B and Authorised Prescriber pathways
Researchers and clinical scientists advancing cannabis therapeutics
ODC-licensed cultivators and producers facing compliance demands
Regulatory and compliance professionals navigating ODC/TGA requirements
Patient advocates and healthcare policy makers
Industry executives and investors evaluating market opportunities
Why AMCA UIC Brisbane Matters in 2026
Australia’s medicinal cannabis sector continued its remarkable growth trajectory through 2024 and into 2025. The TGA recorded 923,356 prescriptions in 2024, with H1 2024 alone seeing approximately 89,422 SAS-B approvals. Over 5,700 medical and nurse practitioners now utilize SAS-B and Authorised Prescriber pathways.
Perhaps more significantly, AHPRA published new medicinal cannabis prescribing guidance in July 2025, responding to concerns about high-volume prescribing patterns. This regulatory response signals a maturing market where quality of care and appropriate prescribing practices are receiving increased scrutiny.
The 10th anniversary edition under the “Shaping the Future” theme marks a transition from market establishment to market optimization. Early adopters have proven the model works; now the industry must address sustainability, quality differentiation, and export market development.
Australia’s cannabis imports increased from 7,306 kg in 2021 to 77,406 kg in 2024 – a 959% rise over three years, creating both challenges for domestic producers and opportunities for those who can compete on quality.
Hemp Gazette Industry Analysis, 2024Planning Your AMCA UIC Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
Accommodation
- Book 6+ weeks in advance for competitive rates
- Brisbane CBD hotels: 10-15 min drive to venue
- Fortitude Valley: Walking distance, vibrant dining precinct
- Newstead/Teneriffe: Boutique options, 5-10 min drive
Schedule Overview
- Day 1: Opening ceremonies, keynotes, exhibition launch
- Day 2: Concurrent sessions, panel discussions, networking
- Day 3: Closing sessions, future directions
- Registration open via EventsAir portal
Getting There
- Brisbane Airport: 20 km, ~25 min by taxi/rideshare
- Fortitude Valley/Bowen Hills stations: 1-1.5 km walk
- Royal ICC at Brisbane Showgrounds: 3 km from CBD
- Multiple bus routes service the Showgrounds precinct
If You’re Exhibiting
- Exhibitor applications now open
- Sponsorship prospectus available on official website
- Call for abstracts active for research presentations
- Schedule meetings with potential partners in advance
Australia’s Dual-Licence Cannabis Regulatory System
Key Regulatory Topics at AMCA UIC Brisbane
- ODC Licensing: Cultivation, production, manufacture licences under the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 with $50,000+ application costs
- TGA Requirements: TGO 93 standard compliance, GMP certification, and ARTG product registration pathways
- Patient Access Schemes: SAS-B and Authorised Prescriber pathways with state/territory approval requirements
- Export Market Development: EU-GMP certification pathways for Germany and UK market access
Understanding Australia’s regulatory framework is essential for all attendees. The dual-licensing system through ODC and TGA creates unique compliance challenges that require comprehensive documentation systems and ongoing investment in quality assurance.
Related: Understanding Australian TGA Compliance for Cannabis Operations📋 Understanding Australia’s Dual-Licence Cannabis System
Australia operates one of the world’s most comprehensive medicinal cannabis regulatory frameworks, requiring operators to navigate two distinct licensing authorities. This creates unique compliance challenges that AMCA UIC attendees regularly discuss.
Key Facts for AMCA UIC Attendees
- ✓ Dual Licensing Required: Manufacturers need BOTH an ODC narcotic manufacture licence AND a TGA GMP licence – one does not substitute for the other
- ✓ Perpetual Licence Model: Following 2021 reforms, ODC licences are now granted for unlimited periods (subject to compliance), replacing time-limited approvals
- ✓ 41 Licensed Operators: Currently 41 ODC-licensed cultivators and producers operate in Australia, facing increasing competition and compliance demands
- ✓ Security Tiered by THC: Operations with >1% THC may require two-layer perimeter security, while low-THC operations follow state hemp requirements
- ✓ GMP from Accepted Countries: Products manufactured outside Australia require GMP certificates from UK, EU, Israel, South Africa, New Zealand, or Canada
- ✓ State/Territory Approvals: Prescribers need BOTH TGA approval AND state/territory approval before prescribing – creating additional administrative requirements
💡 Did You Know?
Australia’s medicinal cannabis imports grew 959% in just three years – from 7,306 kg in 2021 to 77,406 kg in 2024. Total market supply (domestic + imports) reached 118,734 kg in 2024, a 67% increase from the previous year.
Implications for Operators
Plan for 12-18 months from application to operational licence. Budget AUD $100,000+ for initial licensing, compliance systems, and facility preparation. EU-GMP certification opens export markets to Germany and UK. TGO 93 compliance is mandatory for ALL products, imported or domestic.
Note: Regulations and requirements can change. This information is for educational purposes only. Consult with qualified regulatory consultants for specific compliance questions.
Operational Challenges Facing Australian Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating in Australia encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Dual-Licence Compliance
Managing simultaneous ODC and TGA requirements with different documentation standards, audit schedules, and reporting obligations
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TGO 93 Quality Documentation
Building robust quality assurance systems that satisfy TGA auditors and maintain continuous compliance for medicinal products
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Import Competition
Competing with 77,406 kg of imported cannabis while domestic production reaches only 41,328 kg, requiring differentiation on quality and reliability
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Export Market Access
Achieving EU-GMP certification for export to Germany, UK and other markets while managing domestic compliance requirements
What to Prepare Before AMCA UIC
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
📄 Documents to Bring
- GMP certification documentation (current and valid)
- ODC licence details and compliance records
- TGO 93 testing certificates and quality documentation
- Company capability overview and product portfolio
- Export market research and target market analysis
- Business cards and digital contact sharing setup
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- What are current ODC application processing timelines?
- Which international markets are Australian exporters accessing?
- How is AHPRA’s July 2025 guidance affecting clinic operations?
- What testing laboratories are preferred by major distributors?
- Are there partnership opportunities with existing licence holders?
- What seed-to-sale platforms support TGO 93 documentation?
📊 What to Compare
- Seed-to-sale software: TGO 93 batch documentation capabilities
- ODC audit readiness and export documentation features
- Testing laboratories: Accreditation, turnaround times, scope
- Distribution partners: Market reach, cold chain, pharmacy relationships
- Compliance consultants: ODC/TGA experience, export expertise
- Integration capabilities with existing systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend AMCA UIC Brisbane 2026.
Is AMCA UIC a B2B-only event?
AMCA UIC welcomes both industry professionals and healthcare practitioners. While the symposium has a strong commercial and clinical focus, patient advocates and policy professionals also attend. The event is not consumer-facing but serves the full medicinal cannabis ecosystem.
Who organizes the UIC Symposium?
The Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) now organizes the symposium. It originated with Lucy and Daniel Haslam’s United in Compassion initiative, with Dan Haslam’s advocacy directly contributing to Australia’s 2016 legalization.
What’s the history of United in Compassion?
The first UIC symposium was held in 2015, one year before Australia legalized medicinal cannabis cultivation. The 2026 edition marks the 10th year of the symposium, commemorating a decade of transformation from patient advocacy to a multi-hundred million dollar industry.
Are international delegates welcome?
Absolutely. AMCA UIC attracts delegates from across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. International cultivators seeking to export to Australia, or Australian companies exploring export opportunities, will find strong networking potential.
How do I submit an abstract for presentation?
The call for abstracts is active. Visit the official AMCA UIC website for submission guidelines, deadlines, and presentation format requirements. Research presentations, case studies, and industry analyses are all considered.
What is the dress code?
Business casual is appropriate for most sessions. Networking events may be more relaxed. Brisbane weather in late February is typically warm and humid (average highs around 30C/86F), so lightweight professional attire is recommended.
Software Solutions for Australian Compliance
Cannabis operations in Australia increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of generating TGO 93 compliant documentation and managing dual ODC/TGA regulatory reporting. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
Attendees at AMCA UIC Brisbane often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to Australia’s unique regulatory requirements while supporting export documentation for EU-GMP certified markets.
Ready to Simplify Your Australian Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Australia use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability, TGO 93 documentation, and regulatory reporting.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.