Australian entrepreneurs can now apply to grow medical cannabis

Australian cannabis business owners can now apply for licenses to grow medical marijuana under the country’s new MMJ law.

The Australian government’s Narcotics Drug Amendment Act 2016 took effect on Oct. 30, according to Australia Network News. It allows businesses to grow marijuana for medicine, conduct research on the plant and create marijuana products for medicinal purposes.

Would-be growers must pass a security test and meet other stringent requirements, according to Australia Network News. Each Australian state territory will have the power to decide who can use MMJ.

Health Minister Sussan Ley said that passing the law does not decriminalize recreational use, but it does provide patients and doctors with access to valuable medicine.

“It is important that doctors have a wider range of options for treating their patients,” Minister Ley said in an official statement on Sunday.

“Until now, it has been difficult for patients to access medicinal cannabis products from overseas sources.”

Australia’s drug control office regulates medicinal cannabis and those interested in a license can find more information on the Office of Drug Control’s website.