Pubdate: Mon, 20 Apr 2015
Source: Fraser Coast Chronicle (Australia)
Copyright: APN News & Media Ltd 2015
Contact: http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/contact/feedback/
Website: http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5381
Author: Carlie Walker
Page: 4

STATE JOINS MEDICAL TRIALS OF CANNABIS

Medicinal marijuana to be tested

AN ADVOCATE for the legalisation of medicinal cannabis has welcomed
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's announcement the state will
be part of scientific trials of the treatment for cancer, epilepsy and
end-of-life patients.

But Hervey Bay's Jannean Dean, who stood as an independent candidate
during the State election, was concerned at the cost and delay of trials.

Queensland will join forces with New South Wales which has already
committed to medicinal marijuana trials, with $9 million to be spent
over five years as the trials are carried out.

It is not yet known how much the Queensland Government will
contribute.

Ms Dean, who is to stand for the Fraser Coast Council ahead of the
election next year, said there was already enough evidence of the
benefits of medicinal marijuana in other parts of the world and that
it was a waste of time and money to repeat trials here.

"I'm thrilled that the State Government has taken it on board," she
said.

"But there have been trials done globally - it seems like a bit of a
waste."

The trials meant there could be delays for patients who needed
medicinal marijuana, Ms Dean said.

She said both governments could spend that money creating jobs, but
said allowing trials was still an important step forward.

Ms Palaszczuk said she wanted Queensland to take part in the trials
because she knew many Queensland families saw value in the treatment.

"I didn't want Queensland standing on the sidelines," she
said.

Ms Palaszczuk said details of the Queensland trial would be worked out
during discussions with NSW experts.

"This trial is about letting the experts do as much research as
possible into this issue so that we can all get a clearer
understanding of any clinical benefits medicinal cannabis can
provide," she said.

"I'm especially interested in any benefits this form of treatment can
have on kids with severe epilepsy."
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MAP posted-by: Matt