The Dolphins will remove a medicinal marijuana company’s branding from their jerseys after the medical regulator found the deal fell foul of advertising laws.
The Brisbane-based NRL club will also remove Alternaleaf branding from stadium signage on game-days, after coming to an agreement with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Friday.
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.
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.
It is as yet unclear whether the two parties will continue their partnership in a reduced format.
The TGA is involved in separate legal action against Alternaleaf, its parent company Montu, and director Christopher Strauch for alleged unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis on websites and social media.