Health Minister Greg Hunt is due to make the announcement today – the Federal Government has just approved the sale of medicinal marijuana in Australia.
The treatment – used for patients with cancer, epilepsy and motor neurone disease — could now be available via prescription from a GP in as little as eight weeks.
The Narcotic Drugs Amendment Bill 2016, seeking to establish licensing and permit schemes for the cultivation and production of cannabis and cannabis resin for medicinal and scientific purposes, passed both houses of parliament ion February 2016.
Last week the first licence for private cultivation was issued, and Victoria has just harvested its first crop for patients with epilepsy.
As reported by the ABC, Hunt this would now mean sufficient stock for Australian patients, who have been relying on overseas suppliers under the current scheme.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2016/02/medicinal-marijuana-has-been-legalised-in-australia/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/medicianl-cannibas-410×231.jpg” title=”Medicinal Marijuana Is Now Legal In Australia”]
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2016/06/gizmodo-australia-podcast-medicinal-cannabis-advocate-dr-stuart-washer/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Medicinal-cannibas-410×231.jpg” title=”Gizmodo Australia Podcast: Medicinal Cannabis Advocate Dr Stuart Washer”]