Australia’s Cannabis Compliance Crisis: What Atiyyah Ferouz Reveals

Smiling woman in teal blouse studio portrait, related to Australia Cannabis Regulations.

The Great Compliance Gap: Understanding Australia’s Cannabis Regulations

On November 21, 2025, notable cannabis industry expert Atiyyah Ferouz delivered a compelling presentation at Sydney University, discussing the significant compliance challenges faced by Australia’s cannabis industry. Known as the founder of the International Cannabis Quality Standards Association (ICQSA), Ferouz shed light on the disparities between Australia’s regulations and those of other countries, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.

Australia vs. the World: A Struggle for Global Compliance

Ferouz argues that Australia risks falling behind in the rapidly evolving global medicinal cannabis market due to its outdated and cumbersome regulatory framework. The presentation highlighted how strict licensing processes and unclear guidelines create barriers for producers hoping to enter this lucrative sector. With many cannabis operators struggling to meet international standards like the EU’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Australia’s market faces a real threat of being shut out of the global competition.

The Regulatory Alphabet Soup: What Does It Mean?

At the heart of Ferouz’s argument lies the “compliance alphabet soup” that proposes numerous regulations like GACP, GMP, and others that govern cannabis production worldwide. In stark contrast, Australia has inconsistent regulations due to lengthy approval processes and lack of clarity, causing frustration among both producers and consumers.

Solutions to Bridge the Compliance Gap

Ferouz’s presentation also provided some innovative proposals for overcoming these challenges. One solution includes harmonizing international standards to create a streamlined approach for cannabis producers. This involves aligning local regulations with those from leading markets, allowing Australia to compete effectively on the global stage.

The Urgency of Change

As Australia’s cannabis market continues to innovate, the need for regulatory reform becomes ever more pressing. Ferouz concluded her address with a clear call to action, urging policymakers to take proactive steps in refining these regulations. With the market poised for significant growth, it remains critical that Australia embraces a pragmatic approach to cannabis compliance in order to flourish in the global arena.

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Australia’s Cannabis Compliance Crisis: What Atiyyah Ferouz Reveals

The Great Compliance Gap: Understanding Australia’s Cannabis Regulations

Australia vs. the World: A Struggle for Global Compliance

The Regulatory Alphabet Soup: What Does It Mean?

Solutions to Bridge the Compliance Gap

The Urgency of Change

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