Australia's medical regulator has commended the Dolphins for agreeing to remove a medicinal marijuana company's logo from their jerseys after concerns were raised that the deal fell foul of advertising laws.
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The Brisbane-based NRL club has also removed Alternaleaf branding from stadium signage on game-days, after coming to an agreement with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
While there is nothing banning Alternaleaf entering into partnerships with sports teams, advertising prescription-only medicines, including medicinal cannabis, is prohibited by legislation.
"We are pleased that the Dolphins club has taken action to ensure any materials visible to the public during their games, including jerseys and signages, do not directly or indirectly promote the use or supply of medicinal cannabis," TGA head Anthony Lawler said on Friday.
The Dolphins' partnership with the cannabis clinic was unveiled in March, with the sponsorship deal securing the Alternaleaf logo a prominent position on the sternum of players' uniforms for the entire season.
The regulator launched a review into the deal in April and the Dolphins have since taped over their partner's logo when they have taken the field, including in Thursday night's 30-24 win over the Manly Eagles.
When the deal was originally signed, Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said the club was very happy to enter into a partnership with the company, with its strong commitment to health and wellbeing.
The club said Alternaleaf's support would extend to community initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing the overall wellbeing of fans, while engaging with the team to reduce stigma and improve education about the medication.
A spokeswoman for Alternaleaf's parent company Montu said the two parties would continue their partnership in a reduced format.
"Nothing has changed from early April, when Alternaleaf branding was covered on Dolphins NRL assets by the team as a precautionary measure," she said.
The TGA is involved in separate legal action against Alternaleaf, Montu and director Christopher Strauch for alleged unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis on websites and social media.
Australian Associated Press
