Aurora Cannabis Inc (TSE: ACB) (NASDAQ: ACB) has significantly enhanced its medical marijuana distribution capabilities in Australia through a newly inked deal with local pharmacy wholesaler Leafio. The Aussie medical cannabis distributor is a leading influence in the country.
Announced on Dec. 2, the agreement will see that Aurora’s MedReleaf Australia subsidiary provides product from Aurora’s portfolio of brands to over 4,000 pharmacies that Leafio services nationwide. Leafio currently has three operational warehouses on Australia’s east coast to adhere to demand and plans to set up a fourth in the immediate future.
“Our TGA-GMP certified products combined with Leafio’s extensive sector knowledge and focus on clinician education makes us ideal partners,” stated MedReleaf Australia’s Interim Managing Director, Stanley Sack.
Aurora acquired MedReleaf Australia for approximately C$45 million in early 2024. Prior to the takeover, the two companies had an active partnership since 2018.
Local operator Little Green Pharma Ltd (ASX: LGP) and multinational companies Tilray Brands Inc (TSE: TLRY) (NASDAQ: TLRY) (FRA: 2HQ) and Canopy Growth Corp (TSE: WEED) (NASDAQ: CGC) (FRA: 11L) are among Aurora’s top competitors in the nation’s medical industry.
Tilray Medical is currently the top medical cannabis supplier in Australia and MedReleaf is number two. This is distinct from Leafio’s distribution capabilities. In 2025, Tilray Medical is estimated to have held a 30 to 35 per cent market share while MedReleaf is projected to have dominated 20 to 25 per cent.
The quantity of medical cannabis imports entering Australia from Canada has been rising immensely. In 2024, the yearly total jumped up by 73 per cent year-over-year to 62,111 kilograms. More broadly, Australia’s medical cannabis sector grew by about 25 per cent throughout this year.
Read more: High Tide becomes first public North American cannabis operator to enter Germany
Follow Rowan Dunne on LinkedIn
rowan@mugglehead.com
