Cannabis legalisation ‘step in the right direction’

A Broome resident has hailed the historic legalisation of medicinal cannabis in Australia as a “step in the right direction” for people suffering chronic and painful illnesses.

The Federal Parliament passed legislation last month to allow cannabis to be legally grown for medicinal purposes.

Chrissy Carter, who has been suffering with a chronic illness for the past 29 years, welcomed the announcement, saying it could provide hope for her and other patients living with debilitating health conditions.

Ms Carter said she was diagnosed with Lyme disease last year after undergoing tests at a private lab in Sydney.

She said those suffering the disease, which is not recognised in Australia, used cannabis oil to help deal with pain and daily seizures.

“This legislation is definitely a move in that direction and it gives me hope to see the government finally addressing this issue,” she said.

Ms Carter said the availability of the product would not only help with pain relief, but could also mean remote patients would not have to travel to Perth for treatment.

Broome GP Dr Heather Briggs said medicinal cannabis could benefit chronic illness sufferers, such as those with cancer and epilepsy, if prescribed and used appropriately.

“If used correctly, it should be good,” she said.

While the Australian Medical Association welcomed the recent amendments to the Narcotics Drug Act, AMA WA president Dr Michael Gannon expressed concern the legislation of medicinal cannabis would send a mixed message to the community.

“We don’t want this legislation change to normalise the use of cannabis, which is an illicit substance for a reason.”

Curtin University National Drug Research Institute Professor Simon Lenton said it was likely to be one to two years before the medicines become available under prescription for a limited range of health conditions.