Two companies running medicinal cannabis clinics have been fined for targeting cancer and epilepsy sufferers through advertising on their websites and social media platforms.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration says the NSW based Australian Institute of Medicinal Cannabis Pty Ltd and Biologics Research Institute Australia Pty Ltd promoted the use of unregistered prescription-only medicinal cannabis products.

The government regulator says the advertising included unapproved references to serious diseases or buy valute account - NeedVCC.Com conditions including cancer and epilepsy.

Some advertising also suggested or implied that particular medicinal cannabis products were recommended or approved by a government authority, the TGA said.

Prescription-only medications cannot be advertised to the public in Australia.

Australian Institute of Medicinal Cannabis was fined $106,560 and Biologics Research Institute Australia was fined $133,200.