DOCTORS TAKE PART IN LONG RUNNING CANNABIS DEBATE

The NZMA is joining the debate on whether New Zealanders should be
allowed to light up that infamous green herb.

NZMA chief executive Cameron McIver says they are acknowledging the
issue of cannabis use and the impact of any possible changes to
legislation. But it is still early days and nothing has been done yet.

The policy will address the health issues surrounding cannabis use,
the potential of any change in legislation and the debate surrounding
cannabis use for medical reasons.

Mr McIver says it is timely the NZMA draws up a policy on the issue
because the debate has received a great deal of public attention
recently and it is expected to hit the headlines again in the next few
months.

In keeping with an agreement with the Green Party, the Government says
a review of the legal status of cannabis will be done. A decision on
what sort of committee will do the review has yet to be decided.
Health minister Annette King has indicated she wants the review to be
done by a health select committee.

In the findings of a 1998 health select committee report on the effect
of cannabis use in mental health, a recommendation was also made for
the Government to review the legal status of cannabis.

Mr McIver says the NZMA has had some policies on cannabis use for some
time but it is time to look at them again.

A discussion paper will be written once a working party is formed over
the next few months.