Public forum - Medicinal Cannabis a Maribyrnong enterprise?

Published on 23 September 2021

Maribyrnong City Council is inviting its community to discuss a proposal to establish a medicinal cannabis business to reduce the burden on ratepayers. The online forum will be held Thursday 30 September at 6pm.

Council last week (14 September) resolved to seek community views on setting up a business to cultivate, produce and manufacture medicinal cannabis. The proposal acknowledged the need to seek alternative revenue streams and external funding opportunities to reduce over reliance on rate revenue.

Maribyrnong Mayor Cr Michael Clarke said investment in such an enterprise would benefit those in the community with chronic health conditions for whom conventional treatments may not work; and provide employment in Maribyrnong with likely flow on impacts also in relation to research and development initiatives within the region.

“We know the cost of imported medicinal cannabis is prohibitive for many looking for relief from pain or side effects of treatments. By investing in a medicinal cannabis enterprise there is a potential opportunity for Council to partner with government and private industry - the scientists and experts – to establish a business that promises benefits to our ratepayers in a number of areas – employment, rates relief and their health and wellbeing.

Council is currently seeking to understand the level of community support before deciding whether to proceed to a feasibility study and risk assessment.

Medicinal cannabis products are only available on prescription and can be used to relieve symptoms of medical conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis; and side effects of some treatments and symptoms associated with Cancer and palliative care.

The medicinal cannabis industry is tightly regulated and any venture would require a Federal Government license to operate.

The community is warmly invited to join the on-line discussion this coming Thursday 30 September.

Register at:

Feedback can also be provided via Council’s online digital engagement platform Your City Your Voice by 15 October 2021