AltMed Podcast - Spotlight on EQWELLIBRIYUM Co‑Founder Lisa Varley
As Australia’s medicinal cannabis landscape continues to mature, many operators are asking the same question: how do you build a business that is both scalable and sustainable, without compromising on ethics or patient outcomes? In a recent episode of the AltMed podcast, EQWELLIBRIYUM co-founder Lisa Varley shares her perspective on what it takes to do exactly that.
Leading with Purpose in a Regulated Market
One of the most practical takeaways from Lisa’s conversation was the recognition that Australia’s regulatory pathways can be a significant barrier to entry for newcomers. Whether navigating the SAS-B application process or supporting clinicians on their journey to becoming Authorised Prescribers, success in this industry requires a working knowledge of the full prescriber journey—not just a product catalogue.
Lisa reflected on how prescribers often struggle with time constraints, limited training, and inconsistent patient expectations. Rather than seeing this as a problem, she views it as an opportunity for businesses to become part of the solution. Through platforms like MiEducate, Lisa’s team built support systems that made clinical engagement more accessible and practical.
Building Systems That Enable Responsible Scale
Rapid growth without strong infrastructure can quickly lead to operational challenges. Lisa shared how scaling The Entourage Effect required early investment in the systems that would eventually support distribution, compliance, and customer service at scale. From CRM workflows to streamlined pharmacy onboarding, every touchpoint was designed to ensure both compliance and consistency.
This same philosophy now shapes our consultancy at EQWELLIBRIYUM. We help clients think beyond launch day - focusing instead on building sustainable models that can evolve with regulation, clinical demand, and patient expectations. Whether you’re launching a white-label product or expanding an existing brand, the structure behind the scenes is just as important as the product itself
What the Future Looks Like
Looking ahead, Lisa outlined a vision of the medicinal cannabis industry that is driven by education, community, and collaboration. Rather than simply reacting to regulation, she believes the most successful businesses will be those that help shape the future through leadership and shared knowledge. Plans are already in motion to scale MiEducate, launch national clinical events, and build stronger pathways between clinicians, brands, and patients.
At EQWELLIBRIYUM, we share this vision. Our work is focused on building bridges between clinical knowledge and business outcomes, between brand ambition and regulatory realism. We believe the future of cannabis in Australia will be shaped by those who lead with clarity, intention, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Learn More
EQWELLIBRIYUM offers end-to-end consulting for organisations navigating the medicinal cannabis market in Australia. With strategic insights and operational frameworks are designed to help you thrive, we’re here to help you. Learn more by contacting us today at hello@eqwellibriyum.com.
Stay Updated
Sign up to our mailing list below to stay updated with industry news & insights.