New medicinal marijuana import laws mean Australians who are chronically or seriously ill will be able to access medicinal cannabis following changes announced by the Federal Government on February 22.
Importation laws have been relaxed and local supply avenues boosted so that patients will no longer have to wait months, but the new laws do not mean that the use of marijuana has been legalised for recreational users.
Government Support for Marijuana Use and Production
The government has given the green light for approved companies to legally import, store and sell the drug until such time as Australian production is able to meet local needs.
Last year laws were passed which legalised medicinal cannibal use for patients suffering painful and chronic conditions, and at the same time local production was also legalised. However, local production at this early stage cannot meet demand. The first license for private cultivation was only issued this February.
With the new laws announced by Health Minister Greg Hunt, the process of attaining the drug will be much faster for patients. However, they still have to seek a doctors prescription and an import permit from the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The paperwork involved may prove daunting, but at least the government is facilitating the process.
Opportunities for Australian Marijuana Growers
It is expected that locally grown cannabis will provide an exciting new income opportunity for farmers and distributor.
The medical profession remains divided in the still early stages of medical marijuana use, however there are GP’s who have grasped the bull by the horns and are educating themselves as to the efficacy of the new drug. The opportunity for growers and professionals to learn more will be made available at the Hemp Health & Innovation (HHI) Expo & Symposium 2017 to be held Sydney’s Rose Hill Gardens in Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May, 2017.
