
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia recently admitted that although it received over 600 reports of adverse events related to medicinal cannabis between 2022 and 2025, most products have not been formally investigated. These adverse events include psychotic episodes, worsening anxiety, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts. The TGA claims that no “safety signals” have been detected, so a comprehensive investigation is deemed unnecessary.
Medical professionals and patient groups have expressed strong concern. The Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) stated that without transparent investigations and publicly available data, patients and doctors cannot fully assess the safety of products or determine whether to continue use or adjust dosages. Experts warn that while medicinal cannabis is legal, its long-term effects on different populations, especially regarding mental health and psychological side effects, are not fully studied.
Statistics show that there are currently over 1,000 medicinal cannabis products available in Australia, but only two are undergoing formal safety investigations. Among the reports, 50 cases involved psychotic episodes and 14 involved suicidal thoughts, indicating that some patients may face serious health risks.
The TGA has said it is reviewing its regulatory approach but has not announced a specific timeline or scope for the review. Psychiatrists suggest that the government should establish a more comprehensive post-market monitoring system, requiring doctors and patients to report all adverse events and make the data transparent to detect issues early. Patient advocacy groups call for clear guidance and regulatory mechanisms to ensure patients can benefit from treatment without being threatened by potential side effects.
Additionally, the medical community is concerned that lack of oversight could lead to unlicensed or low-quality products circulating in the market, increasing patient risk and undermining trust in healthcare. Without timely action, the legalization of medicinal cannabis could be hampered by negative incidents, affecting both the industry and public trust in the long term.