The Liberal Government has made its submission to a Legislative Council Inquiry looking into the issue of medicinal cannabis.
We are supportive of trials and potential use of medicinal cannabis in Tasmania, subject to a proper evidence-based approach, strong local regulatory framework and appropriate approvals from national regulators.
We are not going to put the cart before the horse as Labor and the Greens would have us do, compromising the safety of Tasmanians by making this a political decision rather than a medical one.
The Liberal Government is committed to an evidence-based, scientific approach to health care. If cannabis is to be approved as a medicinal substance beyond the indications for which it is currently approved, it must satisfy the same rigorous process that any other therapeutic agent would undergo.
Tasmanians would not expect any different- the standards we have in place are there to ensure efficacy and, above all, safety.
We support appropriately conducted clinical trials, feeding into the existing national medicines regulatory framework.
We will objectively consider any proposal regarding a trial of medicinal cannabis on a case-by-case basis and assess it in line with current standards, State and Commonwealth legislation, and the welfare of the community.
This is a complex issue that requires research and evidence. The growing of cannabis and its potential use as a therapeutic drug is subject to international conventions, federal and state criminal law, import and export laws and regulations.
There are public and consumer safety issues to be considered, along with the potential impact on the international reputation of Tasmania’s poppy industry.
While this does not prevent the development of a medicinal cannabis industry in Tasmania, the process is very involved and should include all stakeholders.
The Liberal Government is compassionate to the suffering of Tasmanians who seek relief from pain, nausea and vomiting from cancer treatments, and chronic conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
We welcome the opportunity to make a submission to the Legislative Council inquiry and look forward to opportunity to respond to any recommendations that arise.
Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health
