In this episode of Cannabiz in Conversation, we explore the ongoing debate around medicinal cannabis reform in Australia.

Hosted by Ahron Young, the discussion features Teresa Nicoletti from the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA), Professor Nicholas Lintzeris from the University of Sydney, Martin Lane from Cannabiz, and Dr Priya Ayyar from Releaf Clinics.

Medicinal cannabis use has exceeded early projections, putting pressure on the regulatory system. Patients with chronic conditions must navigate the TGA’s Special Access Scheme B (SASB) to access treatment, while doctors face administrative hurdles. Concerns about misuse are raised, but most prescriptions are genuinely for medical purposes rather than recreational use.

Proposed reforms aim to improve patient access while maintaining safety, product quality, and prescriber education. Overly strict restrictions could push patients toward the black market, while thoughtful reform could position Australia as a global leader in medicinal cannabis access.

On this latest episode of Beyond The Deal, host Dion Besser spoke with Samantha McLean from Elite Agent about more than a decade of change in Australia’s real estate industry. Over 11 years of interviewing top operators, McLean has seen technology and transparency transform the market, giving buyers and sellers unprecedented access to pricing data and AI-assisted valuations. While these tools are powerful, she warns they can also produce inaccuracies if relied on without professional guidance.

McLean emphasised that despite technological advances, trust remains the foundation of every successful real estate transaction. Buyers still choose agents based on experience, negotiation skills and local knowledge, proving that personal relationships continue to outweigh algorithms. Sellers should use AI insights as a starting point, but thorough research and multiple agent interviews remain crucial to finding the right professional.

Personalised marketing strategies

For buyers, navigating complex pricing, underquoting and competitive markets requires skilled agents who can interpret data and guide decision-making. McLean also highlighted the growing importance of personalised marketing strategies, ensuring a property’s unique features stand out rather than relying solely on price.

In the end, McLean told Dion that the agents who thrive in today’s market are those who balance technology with human insight, demonstrating integrity, expertise and a genuine connection with their clients — proving that even in a digital age, people still matter most.

In this episode of Cannabiz – In Conversation, host Ahron Young discusses the opportunities and challenges facing Australia’s rapidly evolving cannabis sector, balancing patient access with safety and accountability.

Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry is experiencing significant growth, with patient numbers rising rapidly in recent years. While the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) does not track exact usage data, around 1 million prescription approvals were issued in 2025, suggesting between 400,000 and 800,000 patients are now using medicinal cannabis. Oils remain the most commonly prescribed form, though gummies and dry herbs are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for patients managing chronic pain and anxiety.

Anecdotal evidence

Experts highlight both the potential benefits and risks of medicinal cannabis. Dr Priya Ayyar from Releaf Clinics notes anecdotal evidence of improved sleep and reduced reliance on traditional medications, but she also cautions that THC carries risks such as dependency and potential psychosis. Misconceptions about cannabis persist in the medical community due to gaps in training, underlining the importance of proper education for both doctors and patients.

Calls for regulatory reform are growing, aimed at enhancing transparency, patient safety, and care quality. Industry leaders—including Kristin Viccars from the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA), Dr Orit Holtzman from Leura Wellness, Martin Lane from Cannabiz, and Dr Priya Ayyar—emphasise that better TGA data could form a national evidence database to track efficacy and inform policy.