Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens Primary Industries spokesperson
A medicinal cannabis symposium in Sydney today organised by United in Compassion heard frustration with the slow pace of change, the lack of an amnesty for those currently accessing medicinal cannabis and the general lack of understanding of the broad spectrum use of the plant.
The Hodgman Liberal government's attempt to regulate medicinal cannabis through specialists has confounded many because it over regulates and compartmentalises what is essentially a long standing herbal medicine.
Medical practitioners prescribe a wide range of pharmaceuticals and medicinal cannabis oil should be one of them.
Experts have gathered from far and wide to share insights into this drug which has been in use for over 5000 years.
The message from the symposium is very clear.
We must chart a way forward in Australia which reflects a whole plant approach rather than a synthesized product, to ensure that those who have derived incredible benefits from the plant continue to be able to do so.