Pubdate: Tue, 19 Oct 1999 Source: Australian Associated Press (Australia) Copyright: 1999 Australian Associated Press NSW TO INVESTIGATE USE OF CANNABIS MEDICALLY The New South Wales government today said it would formally investigate the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Premier Bob Carr announced the formation of a working party to examine the issue but said it was not a proposal to legalise cannabis use. 'Let me clarify an important point: those who advocate the legalisation of cannabis should not consider my statement today as a sign of support for their cause,' Mr Carr told parliament. 'That is a separate issue.' The move follows calls earlier this month by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) for people with cancer and AIDS to be prescribed cannabis for pain relief. Mr Carr said the trial would consider the merits of using cannabis as a drug prescribed by a doctor and under medical supervision to help people suffering pain from cancer, AIDS and other serious illnesses. 'If there is a way of alleviating that sort of pain, we have a moral obligation to explore it,' he said. 'But we must take into account the risks associated with the drug.' The risks included the potential for dependence, the association with mental illness, and the chance of contracting respiratory problems and cancer from smoking the drug, he said. The working party is likely to include representatives from the Attorney-General's Department, NSW Health, the AMA and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. It will report to cabinet by July next year. The government earlier this year announced more lenient rules for those caught with cannabis under its drug reforms. In a trial due to start next year, people caught with less than 15 grams would receive two cautions by police - rather than the threat of prosecution. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake