Good news for Tasmanians with severe epilepsy

Epilepsy Tasmania welcomes today’s announcement by the
Tasmanian Government of $3.75 million in funding to support the
implementation of a Controlled Access Scheme (CAS) that will allow
Tasmanians with serious, non-responsive epilepsy to be assessed by
specialist doctors for suitability of prescription medical cannabis.

“There is potential for medical cannabis to help some people control their epileptic seizures
when all other options have failed,” said GP and Epilepsy Tasmania Board Member, Dr
Elizabeth Lord. “Until now, people with severe refractory seizures or catastrophic epilepsy
syndromes have been unable to access and trial medical cannabis as an anti-epileptic
treatment option.”

Epilepsy Tasmania hopes the CAS will result in ongoing scientific trials and research into the
use and efficacy of medical cannabis. Its CEO, Ms Wendy Groot, said “The new Controlled
Access Scheme is a leap forward for Tasmanians because the efficacy of medical cannabis can
now be trialled in a safe and controlled manner under the supervision of prescribing specialist
doctors.”

“Importantly, this funding will also enable recruitment of more expert staff to support Tasmania’s
neurology specialists and increase patient testing and treatment options,” said Ms Groot.
At present, risks relating to medical cannabis are the lack of legally available products, and no
oversight by appropriate health professionals.

Black market products such as oils, tinctures and plant matter may contain unknown ingredients
that can put people at risk. It is also difficult to monitor appropriate dosages, and there are risks
of interactions and reactions with other medicines.

The CAS is not decriminalisation, but does strike a balance between medical access and the
safety of patients with severe conditions that are non-responsive to mainstream medications.
From September 1, patients will be able to speak with their specialist medical practitioners
about the benefits and risks of medical cannabis, and whether it may be appropriate to treat
their particular medical conditions.

It will allow controlled access through arrangements similar to other regulatory controls in place
for other controlled substances, and will allow controlled access through medical specialists,
while clinical trials continue nationally and internationally to test the efficacy of cannabis as a
medicine.

Epilepsy Tasmania continues to be a strong supporter of clinical trials and the work being done
by the NSW Government following a memorandum of understanding signed last year on a
range of issues and opportunities for Tasmanian patients.

www.epilepsytasmania.org.au
Epilepsy Tasmania