Pubdate: Tue, 09 Sep 2014
Source: Mercury, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2014 Davies Brothers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.themercury.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/193
Author: Roger Hanson
Page: 1

POT OF GOLD

Government Finally Comes Around to Clinical Cannabis Trial

MEDICINAL cannabis could rival the state's $100 million poppy 
industry if given the green light, the Opposition says, as the State 
Government finally throws its support behind a trial.

Tasmanian Health Minister Michael Ferguson said yesterday he 
supported a trial, reversing a stance in July which rejected the move 
on health, social and security grounds.

"We support appropriately conducted clinical trials, feeding into the 
existing national medicines regulatory framework," Mr Ferguson said.

"We will objectively consider any proposal regarding a trial of 
medicinal cannabis on a case-by-case basis."

An Upper House committee is examining legalised medicinal cannabis 
and the Government has made its submission.

Shadow attorney-general Lara Giddings welcomed the change of heart, 
saying it could reap enormous economic benefits to rival the 
lucrative poppy industry - a claim disputed by poppy growers.

"There is huge economic potential for Tasmania, if it becomes the 
state that grows medicinal cannabis, just like opium poppies, but I 
was concerned the door for business was slammed shut by the 
Government's earlier rejection," Ms Giddings said.

"But we hope the door can be reopened, allowing farmers to grow a 
rotational crop creating medicine to help the lives of people 
suffering from chronic illness."

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association has welcomed the move, 
fearing the state could be left behind by NSW and Victoria, which 
were moving to legalise medicinal cannabis.

TFGA chief Jan Davis said farmers were keen for a logical process to 
be followed.

"We only have one go at this, and it will take time to review the 
rules and regulations, so farmers can grow it without fear," she said.

Tasmanian Poppy Growers president Glynn Williams said the growth of 
medicinal cannabis could damage Tasmania's reputation for safe and 
secure narcotics production.

Mr Williams also rejected Labor's estimation of the potential size of 
any future industry. "It would be incredibly small, it's never going 
to be a crop for farmers," he said.

He also feared the medicinal cannabis push would undermine efforts to 
set up an industrial hemp industry in Tasmania which he said would 
provide a broadacre option for farmers.

Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews has thrown his party's 
support behind medicinal cannabis.

If elected at the November 29 election, Mr Andrews said the Victorian 
Law Reform Commission would be asked to investigate the prescription, 
manufacture and distribution of medicinal cannabis.

Meantime, the Legislative Council inquiry into medicinal cannabis has 
been flooded with support from Tasmanians because of the reported 
relief it can give from pain, nausea and vomiting from cancer 
treatments, and chronic conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

Independent MLC Ruth Forrest said more than 100 submissions had been 
received with hearings set to begin within a fortnight.

Growing the valuable crop is championed by all 12 mayors from 
southern Tasmania.

Mr Ferguson said any government support for the medicinal use of 
cannabis would be based on strong evidence and regulation. "This is a 
complex issue that requires research and evidence," he said.

Greens' health spokeswoman Cassy O'Connor said Mr Ferguson had 
clearly bowed to public and political pressure for medicinal cannabis.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom