Trial for medical use of cannabis approved

Hundreds of terminally ill people, patients suffering side effects of medicine and children with severe epilepsy will be the subject of three trials for the medical use of cannabis in Australia.

Fairfax Media reported on Monday that the New South Wales government would oversee the trial program, and was investigating whether it could legally import quality cannabis products for use in medical cases.

That would need federal government approval - but on Monday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he supported the NSW trial program, but would not commit to a nationwide one.

Many Australians suffering cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy already use cannabis for relief, but are breaking the law when they do so. It is usually smoked, or eaten in cakes.

It has been found that cannabis products such as pills or other forms can also have a profoundly positive affect on children with severe epilepsy, and the first of three trials will start with them.

That trial will be overseen by doctors at two key hospitals in Sydney, including the Westmead Children's Hospital.

The trial will then be extended to adults suffering terminal illnesses, as it has been proven cannabis can have a profound pain relief effect, and also stimulate appetite which is greatly diminished by various other medicines such as those used in chemotherapy.

"For a long time this issue has been discussed, but what we have today is NSW marching forward," NSW Premier Mike Baird said, adding A$9 million ($7.33 million) would be spent on the three trials.

"Ultimately what this is about, it's about compassion.

"It's about trying to make a difference to individuals, their families and friends in incredibly difficult circumstances."

(China Daily 12/23/2014 page11)