When the Queensland Dolphins ran onto the field in mid-April 2024, the rugby league team’s jerseys bore the logo of Alternaleaf – a “plant medicine” clinic.

Earlier that week, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had commenced Federal Court proceedings against Alternaleaf’s parent company, alleging 226 other advertising offences.

By the next game, players had taped over the logo.

The law is clear. Advertising prescription medicines directly to consumers in Australia is prohibited – including on football jerseys, websites, social media, and on posters or banners.

Any promotion of medicinal cannabis products to the public – including euphemisms such as “plant medicine” – is also a breach.

But suppliers and prescribers of medicinal cannabis are flouting the rules.

A 2025 study analysed 54 Australian medicinal cannabis provider websites. The authors found nearly half were violating at least two TGA guidelines.

Common violations included using cannabis imagery, unsubstantiated health claims, and patient testimonials.

Researchers also identified self-assessment tools that may “coach” patients on qualifying........

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