Monday, 1 August 2016
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today welcomed the State Government’s regulatory changes which will now allow doctors in NSW to be able to apply to prescribe a broader range of cannabis-based medicines.
Mr Marshall said the move meant that cannabis-based medicines previously only able to be used in clinical trials in NSW could now be considered by doctors for patients who have exhausted standard treatment options.
“I strongly supported the medical cannabis trial when it first commenced, to have it available as a form of pain relief for people and young children who are seriously ill,” he said.
“This change increases the options available for doctors as it means a broader range of cannabis-based medicines can be prescribed – while the evidence-based research looking further into the role medicinal cannabis can play is continued.
“I’m delighted to see further progress being made on this issue – one close to the heart of many people in this region.”
Mr Marshall said patients wishing to investigate the use of cannabis-based medicines will need to talk with their doctor about suitability.
“There is still a lot to learn about safety and efficacy for different patient conditions and groups which is why the government is investing $21 million to further world leading evidence-based research into the safe and effective use of cannabis-based medicines,” he said.
The regulatory changes take effect from today.
Applications from prescribing doctors will be assessed by the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Administration and by a committee of medical experts on behalf of NSW Health.
For further information about the State Government’s medicinal cannabis initiatives, visit the website www.health.nsw.gov.au/cannabis or call 1800 217 257.