Medicinal Cannabis: A Pipe Dream?

In the latter part of 2014 the ACT government agreed to join a 'Commonwealth-backed' national medical cannabis trial. Opponents of reform are troubled by the potential public health implications associated with cannabis such as schizophrenia, addiction and the risk of carcinoma from smoke inhalation. States and territories within Australia must weigh up potential risks with potential benefits and decide whether medicinal cannabis reform is in the public interest. This is currently underway in Victoria by the Victorian Law Reform Commission which will publish its final report by 31 August 2015. In relation to the ACT, the ACT Legislative Assembly is currently considering the Drugs of Dependence (Cannabis Use for Medical Purposes) Amendment Bill 2014.