Row over access to medicinal cannabis

SIX Tasmanian patients have now been prescribed medicinal cannabis since the drug became legal in Tasmania 10 months ago.

The Tasmanian Government’s Cannabis Access Scheme began on September 1 last year.

Patient support groups have previously raised concerns those in need have had trouble gaining legal access to cannabis.

In State Parliament yesterday, Health Minister Michael Ferguson was asked by Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff how many people had been helped by the scheme so far.

“This Government has helped six people, six families, who would have received nothing before the Government introduced our scheme.

“On behalf of those six families, I say to Dr Woodruff that is six lives that have been helped under a model that starts with the family doctor. Our model puts the process first and foremost in the hands of the family doctor.

“You may sneer that six people have received support, but not only have they received a legal prescription, we have even paid, unlike other states.”

Dr Woodruff said the system of prescribing in Tasmania was “a basket case”.

“A person has to go to a GP, then a specialist, go on a list and attend the Royal Hobart Hospital’s pharmacy,” she said.

“Doctors say they are overwhelmed with bureaucracy. People can only access medicinal cannabis for chronic epilepsy or end-of-life palliation, even though more doctors want it to be available for types of pain relief.”

Mr Ferguson criticism.

“Neither of us are qualified to decide whether a person should have access to cannabis for their healthcare needs.” rejected the