The state’s peak cancer support group has welcomed new federal legislation which will pave the way for patients to access medicinal cannabis legally.
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On Wednesday Health Minister Sussan Ley announced the amendments to the Narcotics Drugs Act 1967 which will allow the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes through a national licensing scheme.
Ms Ley said it would allow Australian patients and their doctors to access a safe, legal and reliable supply of medicinal cannabis products for the management of painful and chronic conditions.
Cancer Council NSW cancer support manager Lorna O’Brien said it was positive to see steps being made by both federal and state governments to offer support for patients who had not had success with other pain management options.
‘’Cancer Council NSW takes a compassionate approach to cannabis for medical purposes because it can provide relief for cancer patients,’’ she said.
‘’It can help with the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy; relieve pain that is not managed by conventional pain medications; and stimulate appetite.
‘’We support the use of controlled access to cannabis for cancer patients under certain circumstances, and with medical supervision and counsel about the risks of smoking cannabis.’’
Ms O’Brien said synthetic cannabis products, particularly those delivered via an oral spray, could provide pain relief without psychological or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) related effects.
Ms Ley said the Turnbull Government had worked closely with the states and territories to ensure the legislation was ‘’robust’’ before bringing it to Parliament to give it the best chance of a smooth passage.
‘’I am confident creating one single, nationally-consistent cultivation scheme, rather than eight individual arrangements, will not only help speed up the legislative and regulatory process, but ultimately access to medicinal cannabis products as well,’’ Ms Ley said.
Towradgi man Ben Oakley, who uses medicinal cannabis to ease the symptoms of stiff person syndrome, was in Canberra on Wednesday to talk to politicians.
‘’This bill is a huge step forward to getting medicinal cannabis legalised,’’ he said.
