Media Release

14 February 2018

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The NSW Labor Opposition has reintroduced a bill to legalise medicinal cannabis for the terminally ill and people with serious illness.

The NSW Labor move has been prompted by community concern about unnecessary delays by the Berejiklian Government in providing access to medicinal cannabis.

A future Labor government will oversee a more compassionate access scheme for terminal patients and others with serious medical conditions to use medicinal cannabis.

Labor’s legislation, first introduced in February 2017, provides a safe and lawful way for sufferers to access medicinal cannabis.

It would require patients to receive a photo ID and medical certification from NSW Health in order to possess medicinal cannabis. These amounts can be adjusted by regulation, according to the medical treatment needed.

 

Quotes attributable to Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Adam Searle MLC:

“It’s deeply disappointing to see the Government dragging its feet on providing pain relief to those suffering terminal and serious medical conditions.

“Sadly, patients with terminal illnesses in NSW are suffering because the Government is making doctors submit and re-submit applications, resulting in hours and hours of unnecessary and cumbersome paperwork.

“Access to a safe and secure supply of medicinal cannabis is about sympathy and compassion.”