New Medical Cannabis Law Tabled In Australian Federal Parliament

The report outlines that these will be the key points in the tabling

  • Proposed amendments would allow for medical cannabis cultivation through a national scheme.
  • Labor and the Greens showing strong support, Health Minister says
  • Cannabis will not be legalised for general cultivation or recreational use

The establishment of a national cannabis cultivation scheme aims to pave the way for patients with painful and chronic conditions to access medicinal cannabis.

The proposed amendments to the Narcotics Drugs Act 1967 would allow for cultivation through a national licensing and permit scheme.

Health Minister Sussan Ley said the Government had briefed Labor and the Greens and was optimistic about receiving their support for the move.

“We know the Greens are supportive,” Ms Ley said.

“In fact, I’ve had support across the chambers and around the country and I really believe this is bipartisan.”

She hoped the legislation would pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate this sitting of Parliament.

………

She said the legislation did not relate to the decriminalisation of cannabis for general cultivation or recreational use.

“If states wish to decriminalise cannabis, then that’s entirely a matter for them,” Ms Ley said.

“This product is not one that you smoke, it’s not something that might be out there illegally.

The new legislation follows a move to allow a small number of children with drug-resistant epilepsy to access a new cannabis-based drug in New South Wales.

The pharmaceutical drug, Epidolex, is still in a trial phase and has not yet received full approval from authorities, but the Government has now set the date of March for a compassionate access scheme to begin.

Read the full report at

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-10/medical-cannabis-cultivation-legislation-to-be-introduced/7154006

Here’s the tabled amendment
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bills/r5609_first-reps/toc_pdf/16007b01.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf

Here’s the relevant order of business page at aph.gov.au
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bills/r5609_first-reps/toc_pdf/16007b01.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf

 

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