By Jon Hiltz
Proving that you can never have too much of a good thing, the federal government of Australia has given the green-light for the domestic sale of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
This change in policy was basic supply and demand for the country. An increasing number of patients have turned to cannabis to treat many of their illnesses. Up until this point, Australia was forced to bring in cannabis from overseas, and importing the medicine proved to be a long and arduous process for people in need.
To meet these challenges, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt made the wise decision to modify the previous system — a method which sourced cannabis for patients on an as-needed, case-by-case basis. That meant patients often had to wait weeks for their medicine, and in many cases, patients were forced to turn to the black market to fill their supply.
The new system allows companies to import bulk loads of medicinal cannabis and sell it directly to patients who need it, and in turn, eliminate the waiting game that’s fueling the black market. Australia is also in the process of growing their own pot, but those crops are not yet ready.
“At present, doctors approved to supply medicinal cannabis products must import the product as local production is only starting to be developed following the passage of legislation to allow domestic production late last year,” Hunt said in a statement.
He added that “as part of these changes, importers will be able to source medicinal cannabis products from a reputable supplier overseas and store these in a safe, secure warehouse in Australia. This will be an effective interim supply, to be provided through approved commercial importers.”
The decision to boost the supply of needed cannabis for people suffering with cancer, severe epilepsy, and many other debilitating health issues, brings significant relief to those who desperately need it. Moreover, it allows the added benefit for patients to obtain their medicine with dignity, instead of potentially having to turn to other sources to fill that prescription.
Well done Australia.
