Medical marijuana: Let the doctors, not politicians, sort it out
Most Australians, and many politicians, agree medical marijuana is a no-brainer. But there remain important unanswered questions about its use.
7 Jan 2015In 2014, Australia seemed to decide in the affirmative to the “whether” question for medicinal cannabis. In 2015, it will be time to think about for “whom” and “how”.
A multi-party group – led by Greens senator Richard Di Natale, Labor MP Melissa Parke and Liberal MP Sharman Stone – has proposed a private member’s bill on medicinal cannabis. Two out of every three Australians support medicinal cannabis. Politicians supporting medicinal cannabis include Tony Abbott, NSW premier Mike Baird and Victorian premier Daniel Andrews. Retired politicians supporting medicinal cannabis include John Howard and Bob Carr.
“Why would sick people be allowed cannabis but not well people?” is a common question. There are good reasons for thinking separately about medicinal and recreational drugs. There are a number of drugs that doctors in Australia can prescribe for medicinal purposes even though their recreational use is prohibited, including morphine, amphetamine, cocaine and ketamine.
The medicinal and recreational policy framework and regulatory conditions are very different – and rightly so. The general public may have forgotten about the bad old days of snake oil salesmen selling unregulated medicines, but doctors have not forgotten the terrible exploitation and harm created by some of these medicines. A trusted supply of safe medicines is a critical part of an effective public health system – just like supplies of safe food and water and clean air.
Doctors can lead the way to healthier drug policies – join IDHDP now.
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