The Federal Government has approved the sale of medicinal marijuana after the first licence for private cultivation was issued last week.
The drug — used to treat patients with chronic or painful illnesses including cancer, severe epilepsy and motor neurone disease — could be available under the Government’s new scheme in eight weeks.
Currently, the medication is sourced from overseas on a case-by-case basis, a system involving delays.
Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce it can be sold in Australia, if patients visit their doctor to request it.
