Momentum Gained for Legalization of Medical Cannabis Oil in Australia

MP Warren Entsch has joined the push to legalize the use of cannabis for medical purposes in Australia.

Mr. Entsch is drafting a bill that will allow for legal trials of cannabis to treat individuals with life-threatening illnesses including cancer, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. He is one of a multi-party group of federal MPs who are working on the bill focused on cannabis oil.

Mr. Entsch told ABC radio that if the trials were successful, there would be a bill introduced calling for the legalization of medical cannabis and for it to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. He said that if the drug is effective it should be made available like any other life-saving or life-enhancing drugs.

In Victoria, Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said cannabis would be available for medical treatment if Labor gained office in November. The party plans to decriminalize cannabis oil used in treating certain conditions, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma and HIV/AIDS. The measure follows public campaigns by families who have successfully treated their children with cannabis when other medicines have not worked.

Norfolk Island was set to become the first Australian Territory to trial medical cannabis; however the plan was halted by Commonwealth government. Earlier this month, health minister Robin Adams approved Tasman Health Cannabinoids (Tascann) to grow a trial cannabis crop for a local trial evaluating the drug. Last week, the decision was overturned by former Liberal MP Gary Hardgrave, who revoked the local license to grow the crop. Tascann may challenge the decision.

Last updated: 8/26/14; 3:25pm EST