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.