THE Tasmanian Government should develop legislation to allow the use of medicinal cannabis, under medical supervision, an Upper House committee has recommended.
The Tasmanian Legislative Council interim report into legalised medicinal cannabis was tabled today.
Committee members also called upon the government to immediately provide protection to individuals currently using medicinal cannabis from criminal charges associated with possession and administration of the drug.
They said legislation should also be enacted to cover the preparation, cultivation and supply of medicinal cannabis.
Committee chair Ruth Forrest and Craig Farrell said: "The Tasmanian Government (should adopt) a co-operative approach with other states and territories, in relation to the prescription, possession and cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use."
Members also encouraged the government to engage with companies with the expertise and capacity to progress cultivation, extraction and processing of cannabinoids.
A co-operative approach, between research institutions in Tasmania and on the mainland, should be encouraged.
Tasmanian Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the government was supportive of trials and the potential use for medicinal cannabis in Tasmania, "subject to a proper, evidence-based approach, strong local regulatory framework and appropriate approvals from national regulators.
"The Premier put the issue of a national approach to medicinal cannabis use on the COAG agenda earlier this year, and as a result health ministers from across the country are working together to explore the potential for use of cannabis-derived products for medicinal purposes," he said.
On the advice of Tasmania Police, legislation was not deemed neccessary, as it could potentially create a new set of problems including the risk that people would self-medicate with no licensing or limit to quantity.
"The Police Commissioner has said Tasmania Police will not seek to criminally pursue terminally ill users of cannabis, or people who have appeared before the Legislative Council inquiry, or commented on the benefits of medicinal cannabis," Mr Ferguson said.
The government will review the report and await the committee's final report and recommendations.
