[Greens-Media] Media Release - Australian Greens welcome report on medical cannabis

[Blyberg, Andrew (Sen R. Di Natale)]

Media Release

Dr Richard Di Natale
Greens Senator for Victoria

16/05/2013

Australian Greens welcome report on medical cannabis

Australian Greens spokesperson for health, Senator Richard Di Natale, today welcomed a report from an inquiry of the NSW Parliament Upper House, which unanimously called for the state's drug laws to be changed so that terminally ill patients could access medical cannabis.

"The NSW Upper House committee responsible for the inquiry into medical cannabis has shown tremendous leadership by unanimously recommending reform to allow for its use by terminal patients," said Dr Di Natale.

"Medical cannabis can help relieve the pain and nausea experienced by cancer patients but they are unable to access it because of Australia's laws drug laws. 

"Sadly in the past, debate on this issue has been driven largely by ideology and politics, rather than looking at the medical evidence. The fact that members from a number of parties in the NSW Parliament were unanimous in their support for reform is very welcome.

"The committee's report recommends creating a register for 'authorised patients and carers' to verify that individuals qualify for an exemption from arrest or prosecution. This idea has a lot of promise and a national register deserves consideration.

"The Greens care about these patients who are suffering unnecessarily and will work to help find a solution. The other parties should show that same level of leadership demonstrated by their NSW colleagues, put aside their partisan blinders and ensure that terminally ill patients get access to the best possible care."

Media Contact:         Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600