Regulator of Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2014 - Report

[Matanuska Thunder]

The final report from the Regulator of Medical Cannabis is in... (it is a 'go')

Happy Reading

View the report as a single document - (PDF 1433KB)

 

View the report as separate downloadable parts:

Members of the committee

(PDF 29KB)

 

Recommendations

(PDF 7KB)

 

Chapter 1 - Introduction

(PDF 12KB)

 

Referral of the inquiry
Conduct of the inquiry
Acknowledgment
Structure of the Report

Chapter 2 - Background issues (PDF 193KB)

Cannabis and its medicinal uses 
Existing regulation of cannabis products in Australia
Regulatory approaches to medical cannabis in international jurisdictions

Chapter 3 - Overview and key provisions of the Bill (PDF 127KB)

Overview of the Bill and general provisions
Responsibilities and powers of the Regulator
Establishment of the Regulator
Monitoring and investigation powers
Other provisions

Chapter 4 - Key Issues (PDF 296KB)

Issues arising from Australia's current regulatory approach to medicinal cannabis
Comments on the regulatory model proposed in the Bill

Chapter 5 - Committee comments and recommendations

(PDF 17KB)

 

Appendix 1 (PDF 89KB)

Public submissions
Answers to questions on notice
Tabled documents
Additional information

Appendix 2 - Public hearings and witnesses

(PDF 64KB)

 

Appendix 3 - Medicinal cannabis across the globe – overview of currently deployed modes of patient access and supply of medicinal cannabis (PDF 291KB)

 

 

[weeping angel]

Their very first recommendation and complete commitment to articles 23 and 28 of the single convention on narcotics says everything we need to know about the direction medicinal cannabis is heading down in this country.  They literally cannot replicate the complex chemistry found in cannabis and put it into a single pill and even if they could do that for one variety there is no way that they could keep altering it enough to try and find the most suitable cannabinoid ratios for individuals in any kind of time frame that is acceptable to those who are suffering from medical conditions.  We medicinal growers however are ALWAYS on the hunt for a better plant until we find our perfect medicine and even then as growers a lot of us still try to see if something better is around the corner because we can't help ourselves.  What was once a hunt for relief turns into a passion driven by a love and respect for the plant that can not only last a lifetime but also supply a lifetime worth of personalised medicine at the absolute lowest possible price. 

 

Don't get me wrong I believe that pharmaceutical preparations have their place especially in regards to children and those for whom unregulated or potentially intoxicating medicines are unsuitable but when you are studying something as a potential medicine you shouldn't be limited by any kind of laws or political bullshit until the study is complete.  Within some sane limits such as not trying to overdose newborn babies you should be pretty much given free reign to explore the full potential of the plant, have your findings peer reviewed and then have the laws written around the recommendations of the medical and scientific communities instead of this limiting political bullshit that instantly sets the outcome of this "study" and then completely hands over the monopoly to those solely motivated by profits.

 

Honestly if it wasn't for the people who will actually benefit from this I'd just rather the shit remain completely illegal because at least then we'd all be forced to consume much more wholesome forms of medicinal cannabis not to mention the lack of profiteering by companies solely interested in treating symptoms because there's no money in cures.  It's a sickening reality we find ourselves in but as it would be heartless to deny those in need I can't help but to support this long overdue move towards legalised availability of cannabis inspired drugs

[Husky]

Many thanks for the links. That was a heavy morning read, can help but come away from that thinking that the process of legislation has become overly complicated.

I see nothing about the ability to grow your own at home quietly and treat yourself. They talk about how shit street canna is and complexity of different strains, the problem of consistence and supply. These issues are fixed with home cultivated canna, but I understand not everyone can grow, it takes time and more effort than most people know.

 

I issue that stood out a little was that with Medical canna getting its own regulator, not TGA, it would not be available on PBS. That would have to change as who can afford to pay full price for medicines.

 

Also everyone seemed to agree that big pharma wants nothing to do with canna as there are problems with patents on (herbs). Its hard not to be cynical when a medicine with the potential of canna is not only overlooked but lobbied against by companies, purely because there is no guaranteed pot of gold for these companies. The AMA seems to be a mouthpiece for the big pharma in there submissions.

 

It leaves you thinking. Money, politics and vested interests out way compassion and common sense, still there are some good people working on moving this forward, to them I say thank you.

[Gumby1]

I dont want legalization... I've been an avid fighter for decriminalization for years now... I get frowned upon from both sides.

 

A) because the "goodie goodies" think I'm fighting for free drugs..

 

and

 

because people that don't understand if legalization happens then the government and big companies will run the show.. It will not help the little people at all.

 

I constantly get booed from both sides.

 

but if we fight for decriminalization.. No one gets arrested for a plant.. The courts get opened up for serious matters .. And people get to regulate their own medication.

 

we dont need to go overboard with it... Like 5 plants per person.. An no more fines or risk.. I'd be happy.

[lookinggoodguys]

I dont want legalization... I've been an avid fighter for decriminalization for years now... I get frowned upon from both sides.

 

A) because the "goodie goodies" think I'm fighting for free drugs..

 

and

 

because people that don't understand if legalization happens then the government and big companies will run the show.. It will not help the little people at all.

 

I constantly get booed from both sides.

 

but if we fight for decriminalization.. No one gets arrested for a plant.. The courts get opened up for serious matters .. And people get to regulate their own medication.

 

we dont need to go overboard with it... Like 5 plants per person.. An no more fines or risk.. I'd be happy.

 

 

Yes Decriminalisation would be good but no money for Government so licencing fees would come into the picture plus big fines attached to those breaking the law..

I wouldn't not mind paying for a licence to grow but the Gov would keep upping the fees  to unrealistic prices that would make people break the law.

Plus would be watched like a hawk. It would be like owing a Gun, just with a lot more bullshit attached..

 

Also the Drug war is a profitable industry that actually favours the Government in so many ways levels, as well as drug dealers and business attached to those people.

So atm the Government prefers the status quo.

Edited August 13, 2015 by lookinggoodguys

[lifestylez]

Thanks for posting this.

 

It's always going to be difficult to please everyone, but at least the ball is rolling.

 

I don't think decriminalisation is the way to go because that leaves cannabis still illegal and therefore not regulated at all for medical use.  Which means sitll buying unknown product off the street (for most people who don't grow).

 

I'm really hoping this bill will pass a vote and then maybe the states will feel more comfortable about fast-tracking their own medicinal cannabis laws (instead of wasting time and money on trials).

 

I found this interesting also.  Apparently in NSW there is some form of amnesity for registered, terminal patients in providing themselves with cannabis.

 

"New South Wales Terminal Illness Cannabis Scheme
2.56 The NSW government announced in September 2014 that it was issuing new
guidelines for NSW police that would enable officers to exercise discretion not to
charge terminally ill adults who use cannabis to alleviate their symptoms, or their
carers.53 Under the Terminal Illness Cannabis Scheme, NSW residents over the age
of 18 who have a terminal illness (as certified by a medical practitioner involved in
their ongoing care) may apply to be registered for the scheme, and may additionally
nominate up to three individuals to be registered as carers.54 Registered individuals
may then possess and administer cannabis leaf, oil and resin, up to specified
maximum amounts, without being cautioned or charged by police.55"

[nouseforaname]

most of the registered carers got raided and are currently going through court cases.... so the scheme is a scam....

[Faith]

They didn't did they nouseforaname?

Faith

[MongyMan]

Alot did yes

[Faith]

I don't understand...it was an amnesty of sorts wasn't it?  Just a sting?  What kind of people would do that? 

Faith