Australian drug regulators have granted what is believed to be the first licence to manufacture and supply medical cannabis in WA.

AusCann, whose chairman is former WA Federal Liberal MP Mal Washer, has been granted a manufacturing licence by the Office of Drug Control, paving the way for it to not only grow but also make cannabinoid medical products.

The company was given approval in May for a secure outdoor cultivation facility in WA, with the intention of having its first locally grown product ready next year.

Until its cultivation facility is operating in WA, the company said it would import medical cannabis from Chile in partnership with Canopy Growth Corporation, one of Canada’s biggest medicinal cannabis companies.

AusCann managing director Elaine Darby said the latest approval was a major milestone in the company’s bid to be a leading supplier of high quality and affordable medicinal cannabis for Australian patients.

The company has a cultivation licence in both WA and Tasmania and now a manufacturing one in WA.

Dr Darby said the new licence completed the supply chain for the company.

“Securing both a cultivation and a manufacturing licence will enable us to achieve this aim,” she said.

“In preparation for the supply of Australian-produced medicines, AusCann has been actively engaged with the medical community through its educational and medical outreach program.”

Despite groups including the Australian Medical Association urging caution in the push for medical cannabis products, Dr Darby said the company had made progress in gaining support from the medical community.