Navigating Australia’s dual-licensing cannabis regulatory framework in 2026?
Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry converges at Crown Promenade Melbourne for ACannabis 2026, the nation’s premier regulatory and commercial gathering. Now entering its 7th year, ACannabis offers licensed operators direct access to TGA, ODC, and AHPRA representatives shaping the future of cannabis compliance in Australia.
With over 923,000 prescriptions issued in 2024 and domestic production growing 55% to 41,328 kg, Australia’s medicinal cannabis market has matured beyond startup mode. The conversations now focus on operational excellence, export readiness, and sustainable compliance systems.
“
Australian medical cannabis exports grew from 99 kg in 2021 to over 2 tonnes in 2024, with the domestic market valued between AUD $445-700 million.
Whether you’re seeking clarity on TGO 93 requirements, evaluating seed-to-sale technology for ODC compliance, or exploring EU-GMP certification pathways for export markets, ACannabis brings together the decision-makers shaping Australia’s cannabis industry under one roof.
ACannabis Melbourne 2026 at a Glance 🇦🇺
Dates
August 2026 (projected)
Location
Crown Promenade Melbourne, Australia
Expected Attendance
500+ professionals | 50+ speakers
Official Website
acannabis.com.au
Projected
Last verified: December 30, 2025
Melbourne
37.81S 144.96E
Who Should Attend ACannabis Melbourne
ACannabis attracts a focused community of professionals navigating Australia’s dual-licensing regulatory framework. The event provides unmatched networking with the regulators who directly oversee cultivation, manufacturing, and prescribing activities.
ODC-licensed cultivators and manufacturers
Regulatory and compliance professionals
Healthcare practitioners using Authorised Prescriber and SAS schemes
Technology and software providers serving cannabis operations
Legal and consulting professionals
Investors and business development executives
Why ACannabis Melbourne Matters in 2026
The 2025 edition of ACannabis marked several significant developments that will shape discussions at the 2026 event. AHPRA’s July 2025 prescribing guidance addressed concerns about practitioners issuing over 10,000 scripts in six-month periods, signaling increased scrutiny on prescriber practices.
The Department of Agriculture made its first appearance at ACannabis in 2025, reflecting growing importance of import/export biosecurity requirements as Australian producers expand into international markets. With exports to the UK growing from 99 kg (2021) to over 2 tonnes (2024), biosecurity and trade documentation have become critical considerations.
Australia’s medicinal cannabis market reached 923,356 prescriptions in 2024, with domestic production growing 55% to 41,328 kg as operators scale for export.
TGA Access Data & Hemp Gazette, 2024Planning Your ACannabis 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 early – Advisory Day passes sold out in 2025
- Crown Promenade offers delegate rates and serves as venue
- Walking distance to Melbourne CBD and Yarra River
- Multiple dining options within Crown complex
Schedule Overview
- Day 1: MCIA Advisory & Compliance Day (limited capacity)
- Days 2-3: Main Conference & Exhibition
- Evening events include Welcome Reception and Industry Dinner
- 3-day passes include all sessions; book early for Advisory Day
Getting There
- Melbourne Airport: 30-minute drive or SkyBus to Southern Cross
- Southern Cross Station: 10-minute walk or free tram
- International delegates welcome – check visa requirements
- Crown complex offers paid parking; public transport recommended
If You’re Exhibiting
- Contact MCIA early for premium stand locations
- Prepare compliance-focused messaging for ODC/TGA audience
- Audience is decision-makers from licensed operations
- Schedule meetings with key prospects in advance
Australia’s Cannabis Regulatory Framework
Key Regulatory Topics at ACannabis Melbourne
- Dual-Licensing System: Operators must maintain both ODC (Narcotic Drugs Act) and TGA (Therapeutic Goods) licences simultaneously
- TGO 93 Compliance: Quality standards for testing, documentation, and batch traceability requirements
- GMP Manufacturing: TGA GMP requirements for domestic supply and EU-GMP for export eligibility
- Prescriber Guidance: AHPRA’s 2025 prescribing standards and practitioner compliance requirements
Australia operates one of the world’s most rigorous medicinal cannabis regulatory frameworks. The dual-licensing structure means operators must satisfy two distinct compliance regimes simultaneously – neither licence substitutes for the other.
Related: Understanding TGA & ODC Requirements for Australian Cannabis Operations🏛️ Why Australian Regulators Attend ACannabis
ACannabis has established itself as the preferred venue for regulators to communicate directly with industry. Understanding why and how these agencies participate helps attendees maximize the event’s value.
Key Facts for ACannabis Attendees
- ✓ TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration): Administers ARTG, issues GMP licences, manages SAS-B with 89,422 approvals in H1 2024
- ✓ ODC (Office of Drug Control): Regulates cultivation and production under Narcotic Drugs Act 1967, issues perpetual licences
- ✓ AHPRA: Regulates 5,700+ practitioners prescribing medicinal cannabis, published prescribing guidance July 2025
- ✓ Department of Agriculture: First appeared 2025 for biosecurity, import/export documentation as exports grow
- ✓ 41 Licensed Cultivators: Australia has 41 approved cultivators/producers operating under ODC oversight
- ✓ Advisory & Compliance Day: Dedicated first day with intensive regulatory workshops – consistently sells out
💡 Did You Know?
The Department of Agriculture made its first appearance at ACannabis in 2025, reflecting the increasing importance of import/export compliance as Australian producers pursue international markets. With exports to the UK growing from 99 kg (2021) to over 2 tonnes (2024), biosecurity and trade documentation requirements have become critical.
Actionable Implications for Operators
Prepare specific questions for regulator sessions – generic inquiries waste limited access time. Bring documentation of compliance challenges for informal consultation opportunities. Attend Advisory Day for intensive regulatory workshops (sells out early). Network with other operators facing similar regulatory scenarios and document regulator responses for internal compliance teams.
Disclaimer: Regulator attendance at industry events provides general guidance. Formal licensing decisions require official applications through established channels.
Operational Challenges Facing Australian Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating in Australia’s dual-licensing framework encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
-
Dual-Licensing Compliance
Managing both ODC and TGA licence requirements simultaneously, each with distinct documentation and reporting standards
-
TGO 93 Documentation
Building robust quality systems that satisfy TGO 93 testing standards and maintain complete batch traceability
-
Export Certification
Achieving EU-GMP certification for German and UK market entry while maintaining domestic compliance
-
Audit Readiness
Preparing for unannounced ODC facility inspections with complete security and chain-of-custody documentation
What to Prepare Before ACannabis
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
- Current ODC licence documentation and recent correspondence
- GMP compliance certificates and audit reports
- Export permit applications or approvals
- TGO 93 testing protocols and batch records
- Security assessment documentation
- Business cards with compliance credentials
Questions to Ask Vendors
- Does your platform generate reports in ODC-required formats?
- How does your system document TGO 93 batch testing?
- What integrations exist with Australian lab systems?
- How do you handle dual-licensing documentation?
- What audit trail capabilities support inspections?
- Do you have Australian licensed operator references?
What to Compare
- ODC compliance templates and reporting formats
- Security logging and access control features
- Batch traceability and chain of custody
- Export documentation capabilities
- Australian support and time zone alignment
- Integration with existing ERP/LIMS systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend ACannabis Melbourne 2026.
What is MCIA Advisory & Compliance Day?
The first day of ACannabis focuses exclusively on regulatory education and compliance workshops. Hosted by Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA), this intensive session provides direct access to TGA, ODC, and AHPRA representatives in a smaller forum format. Advisory Day passes consistently sell out, so early registration is essential.
Who organizes ACannabis?
ACannabis is organized by the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA), the national peak body representing licensed medicinal cannabis businesses. MCIA advocates for industry interests, provides regulatory guidance, and hosts Australia’s leading industry gathering.
Can international delegates attend?
Yes, ACannabis welcomes international delegates. The event attracts participants from New Zealand, Asia-Pacific markets, and European companies evaluating Australian partnerships or export arrangements. International attendees particularly value the regulatory access and networking with licensed operators.
When will 2026 registration open?
Registration dates for ACannabis 2026 have not been announced. Based on 2025 patterns, expect registration to open approximately 4-6 months before the event. Join the MCIA mailing list at acannabis.com.au for priority notification.
What’s the difference between ACannabis and AMCA UIC?
While both serve Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry: ACannabis (Melbourne) is hosted by MCIA with heavy regulatory focus and direct regulator participation in August. AMCA UIC (Brisbane) is hosted by Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association with broader commercial focus, typically March/April. Serious operators often attend both.
Is the 2026 event confirmed?
ACannabis 2026 dates are projected based on the established August timing introduced in 2025. The 7th annual event is expected to continue at Crown Promenade Melbourne, though official confirmation awaits MCIA announcement. Monitor acannabis.com.au for updates.
Software Solutions for Australian Compliance
GrowerIQ’s seed-to-sale platform addresses the specific compliance requirements Australian operators face. Our system supports dual-licensing documentation for both ODC cultivation/manufacturing activities and TGA quality requirements in a unified platform.
Built-in TGO 93 batch record templates support testing, documentation, and traceability requirements. As Australian operators pursue EU-GMP certification for German and UK markets, GrowerIQ’s documentation supports international audit requirements. GrowerIQ’s CEO Andrew Wilson presented at ACannabis 2025, demonstrating our commitment to Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry.
Ready to Simplify Your Australian Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Australia use GrowerIQ to manage ODC/TGA dual-licensing requirements and TGO 93 batch documentation.
Request Demo
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.