Doctors to Trial Marijuana Medicines
May 18, 2008
Sunday Times
Doctors in New South Wales will trial cannabis-based drugs on patients with a range of illnesses
State Health Minister Reba Meagher will write to her federal counterpart Nicola Roxon for permission to import and trial a drug expected to be Sativex, which delivers cannabis compounds through an oral spray, the Sun-Herald reported today.
"While the Iemma Government is opposed to the legalisation of marijuana, we do support a therapeutic trial of a cannabis-based drug," a spokeswoman for Ms Meagher said.
"We want the trial to start as soon as possible. However the support of the Rudd Government would be needed to get T.G.A. (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approval of the drug for use in the trial. We're hopeful the Government will approve."
The Australian Medical Association supported the move, saying medicinal cannabis may be beneficial in relieving symptoms in some patients, particularly those suffering from H.I.V. or cancer.
Acting Health Minister John Hatzistergos today said a push for the trial did not mean the N.S.W. Government supported the decriminalisation of marijuana.
He said a cannabis-based drugs trial was first undertaken by the Carr state government in 2003, but lack of support from the Howard government meant an expansion of the program failed to get off the ground.
"The Iemma Government does not support the legalisation or decriminalisation of marijuana. However, we are interested in the therapeutic trial of a cannabis-based drug for seriously ill or injured people," he said.
Mr. Hatzistergos said the Rudd Government's backing would be crucial in getting the T.G.A.'S approval for the trial. | 
