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Australia’s health regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has launched legal action against News Corp Australia-owned News Life Media, Mamamia.com.au, AG Therapeutics, and public relations firm Straight Up PR for allegedly breaching medicinal cannabis advertising laws.
The TGA is seeking financial penalties, claiming the companies unlawfully advertised prescription-only cannabis products, violating the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The Act strictly prohibits the promotion of prescription medicines, including medicinal cannabis, to the public without prior authorization.
According to the TGA, articles published by News Life Media and Mamamia featured illegal testimonials and endorsements from healthcare professionals and individuals associated with patients, which are banned under Australian advertising codes. The watchdog also accused AG Therapeutics of using euphemisms like “plant medicine” in its marketing while promoting cannabis as a treatment for serious health conditions across its website and social media platforms.
TGA head Anthony Lawler said the parties involved had previously received multiple warnings regarding the unlawful promotion of therapeutic goods. Despite these alerts, the alleged advertising continued.
News Corp Australia, a unit of global media giant News Corp (NASDAQ:NWSA), has not responded to media inquiries about the proceedings. The case highlights the growing scrutiny over cannabis advertising and the regulator’s commitment to enforcing compliance in the rapidly expanding medicinal cannabis sector.
The lawsuit signals a warning to media outlets, natural health brands, and PR firms engaging in unapproved promotions of prescription therapies. As cannabis becomes more mainstream in Australia, businesses are urged to align with legal frameworks to avoid regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
This case also emphasizes the importance of responsible marketing in the health and wellness industry, particularly when dealing with prescription-only products like medicinal cannabis.
