MEDICAL TRIAL OF CANNABIS RUNS OUT OF PUFF

A pioneering trial of cannabis for medicinal use has stalled in NSW
and will not be able to proceed without major changes to federal
customs laws and new therapeutic drug approvals.

The Premier, Bob Carr, said yesterday that NSW would not decriminalise
marijuana nor allow people to grow the plant in their backyards.

He said importing cannabis products would require legislative support
from the Federal Government. He had written to the Prime Minister,
John Howard, asking for Federal Government input into finding a solution.

"Let there be no misunderstanding: the NSW Government has no intention
of decriminalising cannabis use," Mr Carr said.

"That means we need to look at the alternatives, and that in turn
requires co-operation from the Commonwealth and, I hope, from the
other states and territories."

One alternative, which he held some reservations about, could include
importing cannabis products from Canada under strict conditions. This
would require changes to both customs laws and new approvals under the
therapeutic drugs regime.

"Canada and eight American states, including Colorado and Washington,
allow the use of cannabis for strictly medicinal purposes. I have
therefore written today to the Prime Minister asking for co-operation
in this complex and delicate matter."

Mr Howard has previously supported the trial but only if the cannabis
was delivered to patients in a form other than smoking and as long as
people were not allowed to grow it.

Mr Carr said there was clear and growing evidence that cannabis could
reduce nausea from cancer or HIV-related chemotherapy, muscle
spasticity in multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, wasting
related to HIV and severe and chronic pain associated with these conditions.

The NSW Government signalled in 2000 that it would investigate the
legal, medical and constitutional issues involved in the medical use
of cannabis.

It has since become clear that finding a method of delivery for the
active ingredients in cannabis is more difficult because the
Government's preferred option, an inhaler spray, is some years away
from being approved in Australia.

Mr Carr said for some people waiting for this option might be too late
and it was important to explore alternatives, which might include
importing drug products grown legally in Canada.