Pubdate: Tue, 10 Mar 2015
Source: Canberra Times (Australia)
Copyright: 2015 Canberra Times
Contact:  http://www.canberratimes.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/71
Author: Tom McIlroy
Page: 3

DRUG LAW REFORMERS BACK LEGALISING MEDICAL POT

Public hearings considering the use of marijuana for medical purposes 
will begin on Thursday, as a leading drug law reform advocacy group 
called for the ACT to become the first jurisdiction to establish a 
legal scheme.

A Legislative Assembly committee will hear evidence on the subject as 
part of its consideration of legislation introduced by Greens 
minister Shane Rattenbury, which would allow for the use of medical 
cannabis for the terminally and chronically ill to alleviate pain and symptoms.

In a submission to the inquiry, advocacy group Families and Friends 
for Drug Law Reform have called for the scheme to go ahead without a 
new clinical trial.

Group president Brian McConnell said "ample evidence" already existed 
to demonstrate the benefits and safety of medical cannabis for those 
suffering from conditions including cancer, but some problems existed 
with the proposed scheme.

"The legislation says supply is by a person growing their own plants, 
and that is very problematic," the longtime campaigner said.

"Some people don't know how to grow successfully, some people don't 
know how to go about getting access to the seeds. There seems to be a 
reference to engaging someone to grow for you, and we believe that is 
a possibility but it seems a little bit more work is needed on that."

Mr McConnell welcomed another inquiry by the federal Parliament 
considering the supply of medical cannabis, which is already legal in 
Europe, North America, New Zealand and Britain.

Earlier this month the Public Health Association used a submission to 
call for doctors to be able to manage a tightly regulated, 
compassionate regime for the use of medicinal cannabis in Australia.

The Assembly's Health, Ageing, Community and Social Services 
committee hearings will continue on Friday.

The proposed scheme would allow terminally and chronically ill 
Canberrans to grow cannabis and use the drug as part of their treatment.

Mr Rattenbury's proposal, outlined in an exposure draft released last 
year, would see sufferers of terminal and chronic illness apply to 
the ACT Chief Health Officer for approval to possess and use 
cannabis. Often used illegally, patients using cannabis and oils 
report relief from pain and suffering, including nausea.

Applications would fall into three categories: an illness with 
prognosis of death within a year, a serious illness or condition such 
as cancer, AIDS or HIV, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury or 
epilepsy, or a chronic or debilitating condition.

After releasing the draft, Mr Rattenbury last year conceded some 
changes could be required around the role of the Chief Health Officer.

Mr McConnell said supply to patients could be managed through 
registered growers and importers of cannabis and associated products.

The inquiry comes as planning for a NSW government-sponsored trial 
continues with the backing of the Abbott government.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom