Dispensed Pty Ltd received six infringement notices for promoting prescription-only medicinal cannabis on external websites and social media platforms, involving indirect allusions to the product.

This is not permitted under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, which outlaws the advertisement of prescription medicine to the public.

“Such advertising can lead to inappropriate demand for these medicines and harm the relationship between a patient and their treating health practitioner,” stated the TGA today.

“Appropriate treatment options should be determined by a health professional in consultation with their patient.”

The company has paid the fines and was also given a direct notice.

The notice requires Dispensed to cease all advertising of medicinal cannabis on its own websites and third-party platforms and to retrieve any circulating advertising materials.

Dispensed has been approached for comment.