The NSW government has made a groundbreaking decision to allow a clinical trial for medical cannabis.
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Premier Mike Baird announced this week the government will strengthen police powers to exempt terminally ill users or their carers from prosecution and explore the role that cannabis can play in providing relief for patients who are suffering.
It follows a long-running crusade by the Haslam family from Tamworth after 24-year-old cancer patient, Daniel Haslam, started using cannabis after everything else had failed.
Dan’s mother Lucy, father Lou and Dan’s wife Alyce started the fight to allow Dan and terminally ill people to use cannabis for symptom relief without the fear of people charged by police.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has been behind the campaign and this week welcomed the government’s announcement.
“One voice can make a difference and in this case, the Haslams started a campaign that made us all sit up and take notice,” Mr Anderson said.
“A real campaign that brought home what people have been doing for years, terminally ill people who were desperately seeking relief from the debilitating effects of cancer and other serious illnesses, trying to find pain relief and improve their quality of life.
“We need to show care, compassion and help these people when they need it most and that’s what we are doing today and I sincerely thank the Premier Mike Baird for his support and understanding,” he said.
The government has formed a working group which will establish the clinical trial and report back by the end of 2014.
It will consider all relevant issues including the scope of the trial and advice from experts regarding the most efficient way to advance the availability of safe and effective cannabis-derived products.
Dan Haslam was in the public gallery for Mr Baird’s announcement in Parliament and presented a petition with almost 20,000 signatures to the Premier.
A number of international jurisdictions have approved the use of crude cannabis for medical purposes, including 23 USA states, the Netherlands, Canada and Israel.