Aurora Cannabis Inc. Removes Concession Card Requirements for Patients

In a February 14, 2025, press release (1), Aurora Cannabis Inc. announced that it had removed the requirement for patients to acquire concession cards in order to access its IndiMed brand products. As a result, any medical cannabis patients in Australia can be prescribed IndiMed products. The change, made in conjunction with its subsidiary MedReleaf Australia, will allow more access for medical cannabis products for patients in the country.

"This change to open up patient access to MedReleaf's IndiMed products reflects our dedication to supporting prescribers by creating more seamless and simplified prescribing options," stated Andre Jerome, Executive Vice President, Global Business Development at Aurora, in the press release. "It is a testament to our unmatched expertise in navigating international markets that we have the ability to quickly adapt and apply necessary change with ease, in order to meet patient demand in the rapidly growing medical cannabis market in Australia."

Launched in 2021, the IndiMed brand was the first concession product in the country and has grown to include oil, additional dried flower product, and resin cartridges.

The press release describes Aurora Cannabis as the largest global medical cannabis company that is operating in nationally regulated markets. The company is headquartered in Alberta, Canada and operates in Canada, Europe, and South America. Its brands include CanniMed, Aurora and Whistler Medical Marijuana Co. as well as international brands.

In December 2024, Aurora had announced a partnership between The Entourage Effect and MedReleaf Australia, a subsidiary of Aurora (2). Through the partnership, The Entourage Effect will operate as a wholesaler for MedReleaf Australia, providing distribution services to Australian pharmacies.

Additionally, the company also recently announced (3) it was partnering with SNDL Inc. in a supply agreement. SNDL will provide cannabis flower product that has been cultivated at the company’s indoor facility located New Brunswick, Canada.

While cultivation and importation of cannabis for recreational use is illegal in the country, medical cannabis can be prescribed by a physician for certain patients (4). Prescriptions are filled in pharmacies and medical cannabis may not be grown for personal use.

References

1. Aurora Cannabis Inc. Breaking Down Barriers: Aurora Cannabis Eases Patient Access to High Quality Medical Cannabis Products in Australia https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/breaking-down-barriers-aurora-cannabis-eases-patient-access-to-high-quality-medical-cannabis-products-in-australia-302377404.html (accessed Feb 19, 2025).
2. McEvoy, E. Aurora Cannabis Announces Cultivation Internship Program in Germany https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/aurora-cannabis-announces-cultivation-internship-program-in-germany (accessed Feb 19, 2025).
3. Colli, M. Aurora Cannabis Enters Supply Agreement with SNDL https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/aurora-cannabis-enters-supply-agreement-with-sndl (accessed Feb 19, 2025).
4. The Department of Health and Aged Care, Office of Drug Control https://www.odc.gov.au/medicinal-cannabis (accessed Feb 19, 2025).