Key Issues Surrounding the Debate about Medical Cannabis - Australia

[Matanuska Thunder]

From: The 'Alcohol and Other Drug' industries magazine - "Of Substance"

 

The political hot potato of decriminalising cannabis for certain types of medical use is back in the air, with an increasingly lively debate occurring around Australia. Cannabis was legal for medical use in Australia until the 1950s; now its only legally sanctioned use is for a mouth spray for muscle spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. While advocates argue that it should be made available to patients with a range of serious and terminal conditions, dissenting voices say the status quo of an almost total ban should remain.

 

In the following group of topic ‘snapshots’, Of Substance looks at the key issues surrounding the debate about medical cannabis.

 

Cannabis vs medical cannabis: understanding the terminology and legality

Gathering political momentum: a timeline of change

What does the evidence show?

Conflicting opinions         

Overseas status of medical cannabis

References