Kali Mercier, Policy & Advocacy Manager, outlines what's in the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme consultation document.
The proposed Medicinal Cannabis Scheme sets out who can produce medicinal cannabis, who can prescribe it and who can use it. The Scheme should improve access to quality cannabis products but some improvements can be made to ensure all patients can benefit.
The Ministry of Health released the consultation document on 10 July and is invited medical professionals, industry representatives as well as patients to make submissions. Submissions closed: Wednesday 7 August 2019.
Information sessions on proposals for the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme were run by the Ministry of Health in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
The Drug Foundation prepared a guide to assist patients, carers and whānau to come to grip with some of the issues with the proposals. We are encouraging people to share what they think based on their experiences. See our Medicinal Cannabis page
Survey participants also reported that barriers to accessing services, resources and information were high.
A group of powerful synthetic opioids that were first detected in the country just a year ago may have already been linked to several deaths.
95% of respondents reported positive effects, in a study that looked at both prescription and black market cannabis use.