15 June 2006
Medicinal cannabis may soon be a treatment option
Sufferers of some serious illnesses may soon have the option of being prescribed cannabis to help alleviate their
symptoms, the Green Party says.
Associate Health Spokesperson Metiria Turei's Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Private Members' Bill was
selected from the Parliamentary ballot today.
"I am really pleased that the public and Members of Parliament will now be able to properly investigate this issue," Mrs
Turei says.
The Bill would allow registered medical practitioners to prescribe cannabis to those with specific serious medical
conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, glaucoma and those suffering from nausea associated with cancer
chemotherapy.
Those who are deemed suitable for medicinal cannabis would have to be registered and would be issued with an identity
card.
"At present it is possible for the Health Minister to approve medicinal cannabis use for some patients, but the process
is extremely onerous. This Bill will take that responsibility out of the hands of politicians and place it with those
best qualified to make those decisions - doctors.
"Medicinal Cannabis products, including Sativex, are being used in the United Kingdom and a number of countries and
enable treatment to be under control of doctors.
"In New Zealand, strict regulation of medicinal cannabis and supervision of use by a doctor will allow patients access
to an effective medicine and prevent the unjust conviction of those for whom it provides relief from their illness.
Medicinal cannabis is available in the number of countries, including Canada, Germany and the Netherlands and in nine
states in the USA.
ENDS