THE nation’s medical marijuana laws sit on the cusp of an historic change after a cross-party bill was tabled in the federal Senate yesterday.
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The bill seeks to establish a regulatory body with the power to licence medical cannabis growers and enable GPs to prescribe marijuana to patients suffering from a range of conditions.
It comes amid a massive nationwide push, which had its roots in Tamworth, for more compassionate laws surrounding the use of medical cannabis.
The bill is seen as a critical piece of the medical cannabis puzzle, allowing states to legalise the drug without having to deal with the fraught issues of supply.
Importantly, the bill was co-sponsored by the Greens, Labor, the Liberal Party and the Liberal Democratic Party, meaning it will almost certainly get support in both houses of Parliament by early next year.
“This is a huge step and it allows states to easily opt in,” Tamworth medical marijuana advocate Lucy Haslam said.
State governments in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia have already expressed interest in being part of an opt-in-opt-out system.
The legislation would also allow the establishment of clinical trials where there is emerging evidence of marijuana’s efficacy.
Liberal MP Warren Entsch yesterday confirmed the bill also had the support of Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
“I’ve actually spoken to the prime minister on this ... and he confirmed to me that he certainly supports medicinal cannabis,” Mr Entsch said.
Clinical senior lecturer in emerging medicine at the Australian National University Dr David Caldicott, who worked as an independent consultant on the bill, yesterday told The Leader it was “groundbreaking”.
“It’s an extraordinary step because it is evidence-based and clearly differentiates between medical and recreational use,” Dr Caldicott said.
“It was quite remarkable being behind the scenes of this ... it could change the lives of thousands of Australians.
“The arguments against medical cannabis are flawed; they’re based more on morality than science.”
Greens health spokesman Richard Di Natale said a doctor’s discretion would still play a part in the prescription process.
“Some doctors may decide they don’t want to be involved in it,” Senator Di Natale said.
“The great majority will recognise the immense therapeutic benefit.”