News

Cannabis in Australia: New South Wales commits $9m to medical marijuana trials

24 June 2015

An Australian state is investing millions of dollars into testing the effectiveness of medicinal marijuana.

The New South Wales (NSW) State Government has pledged 9million (£4.4million) Australian Dollars over four years to trials which will involve children with severe epilepsy and adults with terminal illnesses. Patients undergoing chemotherapy who are suffering with extreme nausea and vomiting will also take part, Australia’s 9 News has reported.

Medical Research Minister Pru Goward told the website: “Medical research unlocks new treatment for disease, offers hope, delivers cures, keeps people well and out of hospital.”

"At its best [it] profoundly improves lives."

The use, cultivation and possession of cannabis – including for medicinal purposes - are illegal across the country.

However, NSW’s plans have rekindled interest in the drug’s medical use, with Victoria and Queensland announcing they’d be follow suit in April and staging their own trials.

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