Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
The legislative assembly is currently holding an inquiry into a bill containing a medical marijuana scheme proposed by minister Shane Rattenbury which is due to be ruled on by June 2015.
In the latest move by the minister, he has outlined a plan that would allow the ACT to develop a monopolised cannabis industry akin to Tasmania's $120 million dollar poppy industry.
Mr. Rattenbury would like to see the ACT government granted an immediate exemption from the federal ban on importing the plant and is calling on the inquiry to allow Canberra businesses to begin developing a medical marijuana industry.
The ACT Greens balance-of-power member wants regulation allowing businesses to grow cannabis for medical and scientific purposes spruiking the economic benefits of such a scheme.
"The ACT Government should explore the benefits that these businesses could bring to our jurisdiction, as well as the safeguards and conditions that would be necessary to ensure they operate safely and appropriately." Mr. Rattenbury told the inquiry.
The issue of medical cannabis has been an ongoing debate in Australia but those championing its benefits have long been met with insurmountable inertia.
The CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, Michael Moore, believes "now is the time" for the passage of such legislation.
The PHAA supports the Minister's plan and believes the current legal framework is "out of step with the attitudes and behaviour of much of the general public and professional opinion."
When it comes to allowing those with terminal illness to use medicinal marijuana, Mr. Moore says he "cannot see any reason not to [allow it] ... we need to have compassion," he told news.com.au.
But despite a growing body of research and multiple US states adopting medical marijuana, there remains trepidation from some in the Australian medical community.
The Australian Medical Association chief executive Christine Brill told the The Canberra Times the ACT's branch of the organisation did not support the plan. Ms Brill stressed the need for greater research and said smoking crude cannabis "poses unacceptable health risks."
Meanwhile, health minister Simon Corbell has also expressed concerns over the legalisation of medicinal marijuana.
However Mr. Rattenbury believes there has been sufficient time to debate the issue and wants legislation enacted immediately.
"There is a clear urgency for progress on this issue and the political debate is unfortunately taking longer than people should have to wait; we need to legislate now." Mr. Rattenbury said last month when encouraging the public to make a submissions to the inquiry.
Michael Moore agrees saying "this needs to be something we're working towards."
Those opposed the proposed bill point to the potential for abuse of medicinal marijuana and the concern that it will lead to the eventual legalisation of recreational use.
Given that the plant is decriminalised in the ACT (with punishment for a small plant akin to a speeding fine), Mr. Moore says it's unlikely that people will start rushing out to their doctors in order to acquire the substance.
The push from the Green's minister comes after the NSW government announced it will fund three medical marijuana trials involving children with severe epilepsy, adults with terminal illness and people with nausea induced by chemotherapy.
The trials, announced at the end of last year, will cost $9 million with NSW premier Mike Baird saying at the time "it's about trying to make a difference to individuals, their families and friends in incredibly difficult circumstances."
Mr. Rattenbury sees his proposal as getting in on the ground floor of what could soon be a thriving medical sector.
If the legislation comes to pass, he hopes there will be business operating in Canberra that will supply the upcoming trials. With 69 per cent of Australians supporting medical marijuana, if Shane Rattenbury has his way, Canberra could well become the cannabis capital of Australia.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Shane Rattenbury: Greens minister wants medical marijuana in ACT?
Author: Web Staff
Contact: news@news.com.au
Photo Credit: News Limited
Website: News.com.au | News Online from Australia and the World | NewsComAu
In the latest move by the minister, he has outlined a plan that would allow the ACT to develop a monopolised cannabis industry akin to Tasmania's $120 million dollar poppy industry.
Mr. Rattenbury would like to see the ACT government granted an immediate exemption from the federal ban on importing the plant and is calling on the inquiry to allow Canberra businesses to begin developing a medical marijuana industry.
The ACT Greens balance-of-power member wants regulation allowing businesses to grow cannabis for medical and scientific purposes spruiking the economic benefits of such a scheme.
"The ACT Government should explore the benefits that these businesses could bring to our jurisdiction, as well as the safeguards and conditions that would be necessary to ensure they operate safely and appropriately." Mr. Rattenbury told the inquiry.
The issue of medical cannabis has been an ongoing debate in Australia but those championing its benefits have long been met with insurmountable inertia.
The CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, Michael Moore, believes "now is the time" for the passage of such legislation.
The PHAA supports the Minister's plan and believes the current legal framework is "out of step with the attitudes and behaviour of much of the general public and professional opinion."
When it comes to allowing those with terminal illness to use medicinal marijuana, Mr. Moore says he "cannot see any reason not to [allow it] ... we need to have compassion," he told news.com.au.
But despite a growing body of research and multiple US states adopting medical marijuana, there remains trepidation from some in the Australian medical community.
The Australian Medical Association chief executive Christine Brill told the The Canberra Times the ACT's branch of the organisation did not support the plan. Ms Brill stressed the need for greater research and said smoking crude cannabis "poses unacceptable health risks."
Meanwhile, health minister Simon Corbell has also expressed concerns over the legalisation of medicinal marijuana.
However Mr. Rattenbury believes there has been sufficient time to debate the issue and wants legislation enacted immediately.
"There is a clear urgency for progress on this issue and the political debate is unfortunately taking longer than people should have to wait; we need to legislate now." Mr. Rattenbury said last month when encouraging the public to make a submissions to the inquiry.
Michael Moore agrees saying "this needs to be something we're working towards."
Those opposed the proposed bill point to the potential for abuse of medicinal marijuana and the concern that it will lead to the eventual legalisation of recreational use.
Given that the plant is decriminalised in the ACT (with punishment for a small plant akin to a speeding fine), Mr. Moore says it's unlikely that people will start rushing out to their doctors in order to acquire the substance.
The push from the Green's minister comes after the NSW government announced it will fund three medical marijuana trials involving children with severe epilepsy, adults with terminal illness and people with nausea induced by chemotherapy.
The trials, announced at the end of last year, will cost $9 million with NSW premier Mike Baird saying at the time "it's about trying to make a difference to individuals, their families and friends in incredibly difficult circumstances."
Mr. Rattenbury sees his proposal as getting in on the ground floor of what could soon be a thriving medical sector.
If the legislation comes to pass, he hopes there will be business operating in Canberra that will supply the upcoming trials. With 69 per cent of Australians supporting medical marijuana, if Shane Rattenbury has his way, Canberra could well become the cannabis capital of Australia.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Shane Rattenbury: Greens minister wants medical marijuana in ACT?
Author: Web Staff
Contact: news@news.com.au
Photo Credit: News Limited
Website: News.com.au | News Online from Australia and the World | NewsComAu
