The Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 has passed in State Parliament and Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said it means regulatory framework for prescribing medicinal cannabis in Queensland will now be streamlined.
The Member for Burnett has been vocal in his support for the Bill, speaking out on the repeal for the Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Act 2016 in parliament last night.
“The Medicinal Cannabis Act was developed when medicinal cannabis was a schedule 9 prohibited substance,” Mr Bennett said.
“That meant it was in the same category as strictly prohibited substances like heroin and LSD.
“By the time the act rolled out, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had rescheduled medicinal cannabis to schedule 8, meaning it joined a range of other medicines like methadone and morphine which can be accessed for therapeutic use with strict controls.
“This repeal brings good news for doctors, pharmacists, researchers and importantly, patients in need of choice and better access.
“It means those who are suffering from debilitating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and some types of epilepsy with severe seizures can now more easily access the treatment they need when conventional methods have failed them.
“Over the last few months I spoke to a number of people throughout the Bundaberg and Burnett region who were completely despondent and frustrated with the act.
“This repeal brings with it a wash of relief for many who have been struggling with unnecessary bureaucratic processes.”
To view Mr Bennett’s speech visit http://tv.parliament.qld.gov.au/?reference=0Mba20190403_180804
02/04/19