Industry Insiders — Adam Isaac Miller 

Market InsightsIndustry Insiders
Written By FEMME MUSE

As one of the leading voices within the medicinal cannabis landscape, Adam Isaac Miller has worked across clinical, regulatory, commercial, and policy landscapes for nearly eleven years.  With an extensive and decorated career, Adam has advised ASX-listed companies, collaborated with leading hospitals & clinicians, and secured international product registrations. He is also the founder of The Insiders Extract, a monthly publication spotlighting global cannabis thought-leaders. 

We were lucky enough to chat with Adam and dive into the experiences that have shaped his career—his journey through the industry, the lessons he’s picked up, tips he’d share with anyone starting out, and his hopes (and honest concerns) for what comes next.

So, without further ado, let's get into it …

1. Could you walk us through your origin story with medical cannabis? What initially piqued your interest?

Cannabis has been part of my life since childhood. My father grew up in South Africa during apartheid and was conscripted into the army at eighteen, serving in the 32 Battalion — also known as the “Buffalo Battalion.” When he returned home, he lived with severe PTSD and horrific nightmares, and cannabis was the only thing that brought him relief. My mother, meanwhile, believed cannabis was “for bad people,” which she made very clear while I was growing up.

After travelling through the Netherlands, America, and Israel and witnessing regulated markets firsthand, everything clicked in 2015. Standing on my parents’ lawn reading about the U.S. start-up Eaze, I knew I needed to be part of this space. Shortly after, I launched my first business, landed my first client, and worked with one of Australia’s earliest ASX-listed cannabis companies and the University of Sydney on a white paper.

Nearly eleven years on, I’m proud of milestones like registering Australia’s first manufactured cannabis oil in Germany and New Zealand, onboarding the first Authorised Prescribers at St Vincent’s Hospital, and securing licences to import and supply scheduled medicines.

2. What inspired you to start The Insiders Extract, and how has it evolved?

I decided to start The Insiders Extract nine years ago, as I thought it was a missing asset for the Australian market. Back then, it was just a weekly newsletter where I curated the most interesting articles I read that week.

When I became a father in 2021, I shifted to a monthly format, and last year I rebranded it, focusing more on interviews with global opinion leaders. It is truly a labour of love, but worth it — I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with people such as: 

3. From your time advising businesses and stakeholders, what recurring mistakes do companies make when entering the medicinal cannabis market?

The biggest mistake is underestimating how fast this market moves. Local and international changes — GMP updates, shifting access schemes, federal and state system changes, price fluctuations, and global events like the Canadian bubble—can reshape the landscape overnight. Companies must stay accurately aware of these shifts; otherwise, they operate at a significant disadvantage. A timely example is the TGA’s review of patient access schemes and product pathways—if it changes, the entire market could shift again.

Another issue is the “let’s just give it a go” mindset. The reality is: it’s tough. The market is saturated, long-standing relationships dominate, and the days of launching a product and relying on wholesalers to move it are long gone. Every group has its own commercial model, engagement style, and established networks. Understanding all of this is essential for success.

Finally, people entering the space without a genuine connection to the plant are often at a disadvantage. While not a rule, those who truly care—whether through direct experience or seeing loved ones benefit—tend to bring more intention, ethics, and staying power. After nearly eleven years in this industry, I’d say it’s vital to ask yourself – why are you doing this, and what do you want your impact to be?

4. If you could change one aspect of how the industry operates today, what would it be?

I’d shift the belief that the industry is a zero-sum game. I’ve seen relationships break, opportunities withheld, and people undermined out of jealousy. This isn’t just a cannabis problem — it reflects a broader Australian tall poppy syndrome, where success is often met with criticism rather than celebration. I’d love to see a cultural shift where individuals support and acknowledge each other’s wins — not just in cannabis, but across Australia more broadly.

On a structural level, I’d introduce adult-use cannabis or, at a minimum, create a legal, safe pathway for black-market consumers to access quality-controlled products. This would ease pressure on doctors, provide better oversight for patients, improve product safety, and draw users away from unsafe markets.

5. What can Australia learn from global markets to best support patient access and care?

New Zealand provides two excellent models. First, their product approval process ensures every product meets strict quality standards before reaching patients. While costly and time-intensive for companies, it creates consistency, safety, and peace of mind for patients and clinicians — something Australia still struggles with. Second, New Zealand allows doctors to prescribe cannabis without additional approval steps like SAS-B or Authorised Prescriber applications. This empowers clinicians, streamlines access, and reduces administrative burden for everyone involved. Globally, we’re also seeing stronger product labelling, greater transparency around testing, and broader patient education initiatives. If Australia strengthened these areas, our system would be far more navigable, trustworthy, and supportive for patients seeking care.

6. Looking back, what were your biggest challenges breaking into such a heavily regulated and misunderstood industry?

When I started in 2015, there were no legislative instruments, no established pathways, and no regulatory framework. Being part of the first wave meant adapting to constant change — watching regulations form, access pathways evolve, and industry standards emerge in real time. Navigating that uncertainty while building a business and trying to do things ethically was challenging. Although access today is the best it’s ever been, the rise of companies cutting corners has created distrust and increased the likelihood of tighter regulations. Balancing innovation, compliance, and integrity in a sector that moves this quickly has always been a challenge.

7. After many years in the space, which dream projects or emerging areas excite you most?

I’m deeply interested in the emerging psychedelics industry, which I believe will have profound implications for mental health and wellbeing on a global scale. It’s a space I’m eager to contribute to as it develops.I’m also passionate about helping shape a responsibly regulated adult-use cannabis market in Australia. Canada showcases the potential — over its first six years, the legal cannabis industry generated $29.6 billion in tax revenue, including $5.3 billion in Ontario, and contributed $76.5 billion to GDP. Australia is missing out on enormous economic, social, and public health benefits. Being part of ushering in that change would be an incredible opportunity.


From clinical insight to global collaboration and industry-shaping advocacy, Adam Isaac Miller is helping drive a more informed, ethical, and forward-thinking future for medicinal cannabis in Australia and beyond. With over a decade spent navigating regulatory change, supporting clinicians, advising ASX-listed companies, and amplifying global voices through The Insiders Extract, Adam continues to bridge the gap between science, policy, and real-world patient needs — ensuring the industry evolves with integrity, compassion, and clarity.

For more information, to learn more and to connect with Adam and The Insiders Extract, visit the platforms below —

Learn More

EQWELLIBRIYUM offers end-to-end consulting for organisations navigating the medicinal cannabis market in Australia. With strategic insights and operational frameworks designed to help you thrive, we’re here to help you. Learn more by contacting us today at hello@eqwellibriyum.com.

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Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your circumstances, you should seek professional legal advice and / or contact the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and AHPRA.

FEMME MUSE

Aesthetics, wellbeing & creation.

@itsthefemmemuse

https://itsthefemmemuse.com
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