Ground-breaking medicinal cannabis trial gets national support

NSW will lead a collaborative trial, with the support of the Commonwealth and other states and territories, to explore further how cannabis can offer relief to patients suffering from a range of debilitating or terminal illnesses.

NSW Premier Mike Baird today welcomed the support of other jurisdictions for the establishment of a ground-breaking clinical trial on medicinal cannabis.

“NSW wants to better understand if and how medicinal cannabis can help improve quality of life for seriously ill patients,” Mr Baird said.

“NSW is playing a leadership role but our historic agreement to work collaboratively on this significant issue means we have a far greater chance of success.”

“A NSW Working Group is already driving this reform and we welcome the support of the Commonwealth and the states and territories for the conduct of the trial.”

“A joint effort to explore the role that medicinal cannabis can play is crucial in making headway on this important issue,” Mr Baird said.

“We look forward to working with the Commonwealth and the other states and territories to develop our understanding of the role medicinal cannabis could play for some seriously ill people.”

The Health Ministers discussed the issue of medicinal cannabis at their meeting on Friday, noting the significant body of evidence linking recreational use of cannabis to mental ill health. Ministers reinforced their opposition to the recreational use of cannabis.

Last month Mr Baird announced the NSW Government had formed a Working Group to set up the clinical trial, due to report back by the end of 2014.

The NSW Working Group will consider all relevant issues including the scope of the trial, as well as advice from experts regarding the most appropriate way to advance the availability of safe and effective cannabis derived products.