STRONG SUPPORT EXPECTED FOR CANNABIS TRIAL

Palliative Care Australia says it expects strong support from individuals
and organisations for a trial on the use of cannabis for medical purposes
in New South Wales.

The State Government has begun asking for submissions on a recent report it
commissioned to consider whether people with chronic medical conditions
should legally be able to use cannabis to alleviate their conditions.

The New South Wales branch of the Australian Medical Association says it
will support the trial proposal.

Vice President of Palliative Care Professor David Currow says his
organisation will do likewise.

"There is good evidence that cannabis, when used as a medicine can help
with nausea and also with wasting," he said.

"If we can do something to improve appetite and sense of well-being through
controlling nausea, then I think we will have another tool that can help
these people."