Tariffs, Imports and Sovereignty: Strengthening Australia’s Cannabis Supply Chain

As global cannabis markets shift in response to changing trade policies, international tariffs, and currency volatility, Australia faces a pivotal choice: continue relying on imported medicinal cannabis, or invest in a strong, sovereign domestic supply chain. At Biortica Agrimed, we believe the answer is clear—patient safety, product consistency, and national resilience all start with growing at home. 

The Global Landscape: Rising Tariff and Trade Risks 

The international cannabis trade is becoming increasingly complex. Recent policy changes across North America and Europe have introduced: 

  • New import duties and tariffs that increase costs for companies relying on offshore flower or oils. 
  • Export restrictions in some markets due to supply shortages or shifting domestic priorities. 
  • Currency fluctuations that impact pricing and long-term supply agreements. 

For Australian medicinal cannabis companies importing flower or oils from overseas, these dynamics introduce risk—not just to commercial operations, but to patient care continuity. 

Australia’s Opportunity: A Resilient, Local Supply Chain 

By contrast, locally grown and manufactured medicinal cannabis offers a stable, secure alternative. Australia’s TGA and ODC provide world-class regulatory oversight, and our GMP facilities are capable of producing pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products without the unpredictability of foreign markets. 

Biortica Agrimed’s operations—including cultivation through our wholly owned subsidiary Green Farmers—are 100% Australian-based. That means: 

  • No exposure to foreign tariff regimes 
  • No reliance on U.S. supply chains or policy fluctuations 
  • Consistent product availability for prescribers and patients 
  • Economic support for Australian growers, researchers, and manufacturers 

The Sovereignty Argument: Beyond Economics 

Medicinal cannabis is a healthcare product. Like other essential medicines, it should not be vulnerable to the geopolitical or economic interests of other nations. Sovereignty in cannabis supply means: 

  • Faster regulatory responsiveness during product recalls, shortages, or emergencies 
  • Better biosecurity controls to prevent pathogens like HLVd from entering via imported genetics 
  • Greater national investment in research, clinical trials, and workforce development 

At a time when the Australian Government is focused on securing local manufacturing across critical health sectors, medicinal cannabis deserves the same level of attention. 

Case Study: Import Risk vs Local Stability 

In early 2024, several Australian clinics reported delays in imported medicinal cannabis products, attributed to export restrictions from North America and EU regulatory bottlenecks. Patients were left waiting weeks—sometimes months—for treatments, disrupting care and eroding confidence in the system. 

By contrast, Australian-grown flower from Biortica and Green Farmers remained available, consistent in quality, and fully compliant with TGA regulations. 

Building a Future-Proof Industry 

As Australia’s medicinal cannabis market matures, now is the time to invest in long-term infrastructure that protects patients, supports prescribers, and sustains innovation. This includes: 

  • Support for local cultivators through policy and procurement 
  • Education initiatives to promote understanding of locally grown vs imported products 
  • Transparent labelling and traceability so patients know the origin of their medicine 
  • Encouraging domestic clinical trials to align products with local therapeutic needs 

Biortica’s Commitment to Sovereign Supply 

At Biortica Agrimed, our vertically integrated model ensures: 

  • All cultivation occurs in Australia under GMP and ODC-licensed conditions 
  • Products are manufactured and tested locally, ensuring regulatory alignment 
  • We maintain full traceability and quality assurance—from seed to shelf 

This is how we deliver not just medicine, but peace of mind. 

Protecting Patients, Supporting Industry 

In an uncertain global trade environment, local production of medicinal cannabis is not just a strength—it’s a necessity. By choosing Australian-grown, Australian-made cannabis, prescribers and patients reduce their exposure to geopolitical risks and help build a healthier, more secure healthcare future.