The Dolphins’ partnership with Alternaleaf, a company that prescribes medicinal cannabis, is reportedly being reviewed for potential breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act.
That is according to the SMH, who are reporting the TGA are reviewing the sponsorship deal due regulations banning the advertisement of prescription medicine.
The NRL’s 17th franchise announced their partnership with Alternaleaf last month, signing a two year deal to be included on the club’s jersey across player’s sternums.
Alternaleaf, according to the website of its owner, describes the company as “Australia’s largest medical cannabis clinic, delivering high-quality care to more than 100,000 patients every year”.
Medicinal cannabis is legal within Australia, however the issues have reportedly arose from the companies advertisements.
Alternaleaf is being broadcasted across the nation and has also reportedly been prominently featured at Dolphins home games.
“The TGA is aware of the partnership between the Dolphins and Alternaleaf and is assessing if any material published in connection with this partnership raises concerns under the advertising requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act),” a statement provided to the SMH read.
“Partnerships between sport teams and entities involved in the supply of medicinal cannabis are not prohibited by the Act, however the advertising of medicinal cannabis, as prescription medicines, to the public is prohibited.”
Alternaleaf could be banned for adversiting at the stadium, on the Dolphins’ jerseys and across the club’s website and social media platforms.
The Dolphins sponsorship is also not related to medical treatment for players, with cannabis being a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
“This is about a partnership with a health services clinic,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said.
“We deal with sponsorship partnerships across multiple industries and across multiple countries that all require an awareness and knowledge of regulations and obligations, and this partnership is no different.”
The TGA has reportedly contacted both Fox Sports and Channel 9 who are working with the governing body to comply to guidelines.
