Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has announced his support for the campaign to legalise the use of cannabis for medical purposes in limited circumstances.
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Speaking for the first time publicly about the issue, Mr Marshall said he hoped to see the unanimous recommendations of last year’s cross-party Legislative Council inquiry implemented.
“The inquiry considered copious evidence from medical professionals and experts about the medical uses of cannabis and recommended a cautious, limited and sensible approach,” he said.
“This would allow people with a terminal illness to apply, on the certification of their treating doctor to the NSW Department of Health, for a card that would exempt them and their carers from prosecution for possession of small quantities of cannabis products.
“It carefully avoids any possibility of feeding the recreational market or creating new supplies of the drug and instead focuses on ensuring that those cancer patients and others with a terminal illness can find relief for their symptoms without fear of being prosecuted.”
Earlier this year 24-year-old Tamworth man Dan Haslam and his family began a crusade to not only change the community’s attitude to the medical use of marijuana but change legislation in NSW.
Mr Haslam has terminal bowel cancer and has been using cannabis tincture to help deal with the the side effects of chemotherapy. Cannabis helps with his recovery and assists Mr Haslam maintain his appetite and keep food down after treatment.
Mr Marshall said he had been in contact with Dan Haslam’s family and fully empathised with their situation and supported their campaign.
“It’s time to show compassion and adopt a humanitarian approach to this important health issue,” he said.
“People who are dying should not have to also face the fear of prosecution for using a natural drug that relieves some of their pain and suffering, often times better than any legal drug can.”
Mr Marshall said he hadn’t previously weighed into the debate as his colleague Kevin Anderson, MP for Tamworth, had taken up the cause on behalf of the Haslams.
“Mr Anderson is working on a Private Members Bill to present in Parliament seeking the approval for the use of cannabis by terminally ill patients, and I’m looking forward to assisting my colleague and help ensure the bill receives the support of the House,” he said.
Several high profile police officers and politicians, including former ‘tough on drugs’ federal commissioner Mick Palmer and former NSW Premier Bob Carr, have gone public in their support of the Haslam family’s campaign.
One of Australia’s largest nursing unions, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, also recently came out in support of the use and possession of medical cannabis.