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Federal government examining cannabis trials

The Federal Government is closely examining the New South Wales Government's proposal to use cannabis for medicinal purposes, the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, has said.

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21 May 2003

Federal government examining cannabis trials

The Federal Government is closely examining the New South Wales Government's proposal to use cannabis for medicinal purposes, the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, said today.

"While there could be merit in the proposal, I would make it clear that Commonwealth support does not imply support for general decriminalisation of cannabis production, possession or use," she said. "As the Premier of NSW observed yesterday, the general case against the decriminalisation of cannabis is now stronger than ever.

"The Commonwealth may need to be involved in some of the approval processes for this project and, while I understand the compassionate reasons for such a proposal, I am also mindful of possible safety and legal issues which may need further consideration," she said.

The NSW Government would need to notify the Commonwealth's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of any proposed trials and meet the TGA's requirements for conducting clinical trials.

The proposal to use marijuana for medicinal purposes may also need to have regard to Australia's international treaty obligations on the production and use of narcotics.

"The Government is seeking further information of the NSW proposal," Senator Patterson said.

Media inquiries, contact Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.