Pubdate: Mon, 21 Apr 2003
Source: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)
Copyright: Allied Press Limited, 2003
Contact:  http://www2.odt.co.nz
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/925
Source: Otago Daily Times

GREENS BACK CANNABIS FOR PAIN

Wellington: The Green Party says it will support any moves the Government 
makes to allow cannabis to be used for medical purposes.

Parliament's health committee is considering whether a derivative of the 
drug should be available in pill form to help pain relief.

Committee chairwoman Steve Chadwick was reported yesterday to be in favour 
of the move.

She told the Sunday Star Times that if it was made available, the cannabis 
pill would have to be registered under the Medicines Act and would only be 
for people with a certain threshold of pain or illness.

Ms Chadwick said cannabis was used for medical purposes in Britain in 
tablet or suppository form. Green MP Nandor Tanczos, a campaigner for 
legalising cannabis, said his party welcomed any measure that offered hope 
for thousands of chronic pain sufferers. However, he said the committee 
would have to carefully examine the options.

"I urge the Government to fund trials in the public interest for the use of 
medicinal marijuana," he said.

"The committee should also look at a range of options, such as vaporising 
instruments already available that minimise possible health risks caused by 
smoking."

The Government cannot legalise cannabis, even if it wanted to, because of 
the deal it made with the United Future Party after the election.

Party leader Peter Dunne said United Future might block a move for medical 
use because it could be seen as "the thin end of the wedge" towards softer 
drug laws.

Health Minister Annette King said she was waiting for the result of trials 
in Britain.