Pubdate: Fri, 21 Oct 2005
Source: Orange Central Western Daily (Australia)
Contact:  
http://orange.yourguide.com.au/display.asp?class=news
Feedback: 
http://orange.yourguide.com.au/sitemail.asp?class=site%20email
Address: PO Box 321, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
Fax: 02 6362 9679
Copyright: 2005 Rural Press Ltd
Author: David Alonso-Love And Ashlea Maher
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

CANNABIS CLINIC READY FOR LAUNCH

ORANGE'S cannabis clinic will be fully operational by late November, 
despite initial frustration.

Greater Western Area Health Service public affairs officer Tony 
Webber says the clinic is already seeing a small number of clients on 
an "operational trial" basis.

Mr Webber says that once officially launched, the Sale Street clinic 
will service the Central West and Central West Slopes and Plains.

"Services will include detoxification treatments and counselling and 
support programs for cannabis users and their families," Mr Webber said.

The clinic will be opened by NSW Health Minister John Hatzistergos in 
late November or early December, and is expected to treat 400 highly 
dependent cannabis users each year.

The cannabis clinic is the fourth in NSW, and the first of its kind 
west of the Blue Mountains.

Mr Webber says the clinic will operate from 8:30am to 5pm Mondays to 
Fridays, also holding evening sessions after its official launch.

Clients can be referred by their doctor or by calling 1300 663 433 
after the opening.

Information about cannabis addiction can be found at the NSW Health 
website: http://www.health.nsw.gov. au, or by contacting the Alcohol 
and Drug Information Service on 1800 422 599.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman