Author: Lila Blake
Ah, the medicinal is now legal.
The new laws make good on Premier Daniel Andrews’ election promise, which was floated even before the federal Narcotic Drugs Amendment Bill 2016 gave the green light for medical cannabis back in February.
The state will also establish an Office of Medicinal Cannabis, tasked with overseeing everything from the manufacturing of products, to advising on whether patients will be eligible for the scheme.
The state’s Health Minister Jill Hennessy made the announcement after the Access to Medicinal Cannabis Bill passed Parliament, which will allow for the manufacture, supply and access to medicinal cannabis products. Although many such patients do not reach adulthood, the state wants to improve their quality of life, says Hennessy.
She said that now, parents of children with the disorder purchased the drug illegally. Before the roll out of medicinal marijuana, Victoria would conduct a small-scale, controlled cannabis cultivation trial at a research facility in the state.ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill has previously welcomed Victoria’s push to legalise the drug for medicinal purposes.
Another day, another roadblock removed to medical cannabis acceptance with the Victorian government clearing the way for legal access in “exceptional circumstances”.
Going further will be measures to assist those in palliative care and suffering HIV.
Medicinal cannabis would be available in capsules, tinctures, sprays, oils and vaporisable liquids.
The medicinal cannabis trial is the third of its kind in NSW after trials involving terminally ill patients and children with severe epilepsy.
“We are also very aware of the benefits that access to medical cannabis can provide members of our community who may be experiencing other significant health conditions”, Parkhill said.
