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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 6 Hansard (17 June) . . Page.. 1675 ..

MR MOORE (continuing):

During the struggle to overcome the endless trips to the doctors and hospitals, hope for health and a positive life had totally diminished. I once said during a time of anguish if I ever overcame this disorder, I would consider it a miracle and I do consider it a miracle, for such a cure has occurred.

At a visit to a clinic in 1985 I found a pamphlet describing certain illnesses and known substances to alleviate the symptoms. I was surprised to see marijuana listed on the pamphlet, for relief from a variety of disorders including anorexia nervosa/bulimia. In desperation and as a last resort, having had no cannabis convictions and a naive respect for the laws against cannabis, I embarked on the illegal antidote and within a few years I had overcome the eating disorder and other associated psychosomatic illnesses.

She goes on about why she considers cannabis a miracle medicine for her.

Of course, Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, whenever we deal with an issue like cannabis we have to be conscious of the side effects. Indeed, it is a drug, and every drug has side effects. But the critical thing is whether the side effects are as serious as the side effects of conventional medicine. You will find reference to this in the report that I have just distributed. I have in my office copies of the National Drug Strategy Committee's monograph No. 25, "The Health and Psychological Effects of Cannabis Use", pages 185 to 199. I am happy to provide to members copies of what those side effects are, so that they can understand just what they are and how serious they are.

Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, in her paper Ms Beech suggested, as a conclusion, that the best way to proceed with the issue of medicinal cannabis was to appoint a select committee of the Assembly to look at feasible topical preparations of cannaboids; research proposals which are specifically geared towards each indication for which marijuana may prove to be of therapeutic utility; the collection and consideration of submissions made by the community; the provision of information on the risks and benefits of medicinal cannabis throughout the community; the supply of marijuana; the development of safe and effective guidelines for the implementation of the prescription use of cannabis; the duties incurred by a doctor participating in the ongoing research for each patient for whom cannabis is prescribed; incorporating patients who could therapeutically benefit from cannabis into the special needs category within the ACT drug strategy; and any other related matter.

It will be my intention to pursue that issue after the next election; but I thought it appropriate to raise it at this point to avoid making the mistake that I made prior to the last election, of dealing with it too hastily. I think that is an appropriate process for this Assembly or the next Assembly to follow. I think it is important for us to realise that this issue really is about compassion. It is about ensuring that there is yet another option available to people who are suffering in one way or another and who may well be helped.

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