NSW CONSIDERS CANNABIS FOR PAIN RELIEF

The New South Wales Government has agreed to investigate the use of
cannabis as a method of pain relief for AIDS and cancer patients.

It comes after a call from the Australian Medical Association earlier
this month for seriously ill patients to be prescribed the drug.

Premier Bob Carr says the government has a "moral obligation" to
examine the proposal, but he has stressed it is not a step towards
legalising the drug.

"Those who advocate the legalisation of cannabis should not consider
my statement today as a sign of support for their cause," he said.

"That is a seperate issue.

"The question I'm interested in today relates to the the use of
cannabis or its active ingredients to treat pain, nausea and loss of
appetite, to help people suffering the symptoms of cancer, AIDS and
other serious illnesses."