On behalf of the many, many Tasmanians who support the legalisation of medicinal cannabis, and those families and individuals who know it is effective in providing relief for distressing and potentially life-threatening conditions such as persistent, terrifying seizures, today I continued to question Health Minister, Michael Ferguson, on why the State Liberal government is refusing to allow a medical cannabis trial in Tasmania. The Hodgman government seem to have reacted on ideological grounds, closing the door on a trial after a single preliminary meeting with the proponents, and failing to see a potential future industry for Tasmania, citing concerns about safety and the potential effect of moving down this path on the poppy industry. Our Right to Information enquiries across three Agencies – the Departments of Health and Human Services, Primary Industries Water and the Environment, and Premier and Cabinet - have revealed that no formal concerns had been raised with the government by the poppy industry when Minister Rockliff said the trial was rejected, in part, to protect Tasmania’s poppy industry. Indeed, it has since transpired that there is industry support for a potential medicinal cannabis industry in Tasmania, including from the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association. Minister Ferguson could - with the stroke of his pen - exercise empathy to the Tasmanians who are going through needless pain and suffering and allow a controlled, safe medical cannabis trial in Tasmania. The Greens will continue to pursue this matter in the Parliament and in the public debate. We believe the legalisation of medicinal cannabis is a matter of compassion and common sense. That is the foundation upon which more than 20 countries worldwide and 23 American states have legalised medicinal cannabis.
Posted on: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 07:34:19 +0000