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Canberra Today 15°/17° | Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Shane tables his medical marijuana legislation

marijuana

SHANE Rattenbury has tabled an exposure draft bill that would give Canberrans access to medical cannabis.

“Since I released this legislation in July this year I have received significant feedback from the community in support,” Shane said.

“The Assembly today moved to have the issue referred to Committee; I believe this is a good opportunity for MLAs to work together and examine the issue in more depth.

“I am hopeful that the move to committee will not delay the implementation of this legislation for too long. Given the work already done in NSW, I would hope that our committee can report back much sooner than the 10 month timeframe allocated.

“With recent local and national media coverage uncovering the personal stories of people dying or suffering chronic illness and their plight to access medical cannabis, it is clear that there is an urgency to legislate and protect people from criminal sanctions.

“These are everyday people who are suffering from illnesses for which cannabis can help relieve symptoms, and they need help now.

“The people suffering from these illnesses cover the age spectrum, from babies and children with illnesses such as rare and severe epilepsy, to the elderly with illnesses such as terminal cancer.

“I believe it is possible for this Assembly to endorse a scheme for the provision of medical cannabis to those who are sick or dying, with the supervision and support of medical practitioners.

“This legislation would be an enduring legacy and an important achievement for the ACT as a caring and compassionate place.”

The Exposure Draft and Discussion Paper are both available online.

[Photo by Brett Levin, Attribution Licence]

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