Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens Primary Industries spokesperson
The tabling of the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Bill in federal parliament today means Tasmania is one step closer to being able to lawfully cultivate medical cannabis for therapeutic use.
People who have to source and administer medicinal cannabis to themselves or their family members, knowing they are outside the law, will find some relief that this matter is being dealt with in Canberra.
Tasmania has one of the highest rates of opioid prescriptions per capita in Australia. A recent review found prescriptions dramatically increasing in Tasmania since the early 1990’s, especially for cancer sufferers.
Cultivating and supplying medicinal cannabis offers an alternative to opioids, with significant economic benefit to our agriculture industry.
Now that the Federal government is set to clear the way, Premier Hodgman has the opportunity to back up his government's vague support with actions.
The Hodgman Liberal government needs to do all it can to allow Tasmanians to benefit from this overdue health reform.