Office of Drug Control

Regulator function

Regulates and provides advice on the import, export, cultivation, production and manufacture of controlled drugs, including the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes, to support Australia's obligations under the international drug conventions. The Office of Drug Control also regulates the import of vaping goods and kava as a food. The Office of Drug Control exercises powers conferred through the international drug conventions and domestic legislation and regulations.

Legislation
  • Narcotic Drugs Act 1967
  • Narcotic Drugs Regulation 2016
  • Narcotic Drugs (Licence Charges) Act 2016
  • Narcotic Drugs (Licence Charges) Regulation 2016
  • Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956
  • Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958
Regulated community

Cultivators, producers and manufacturers of medicinal cannabis and other narcotic drugs and importers and exporters of controlled drugs, products and substances, including vaping goods and kava as a food (including both commercial entities and doctors importing under the authorised prescriber and special access scheme).

Portfolio
Health, Disability and Ageing
Internal to department / external
Internal
Ministerial Statement of Expectations date
19 January 2026
Regulator Statement of Intent date
6 March 2026

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