MEDICAL TRIAL OF CANNABIS USE TO BEGIN IN NSW

The New South Wales Government says it will introduce legislation to allow
a four year trial for the medical use of cannabis.

The Premier, Bob Carr, says the case for the decriminalisation of cannabis
is stronger than ever, but only for people who cannot be assisted by
conventional treatment.

People suffering from cancer, HIV, spinal injuries and other conditions
will be eligible for registration with a new Office of Medical Cannabis.

Mr Carr says after a long period of deliberation the government has decided
it would be a compassionate scheme.

"People like the man in his 80s suffering from prostate cancer, he had
radiation therapy and he was losing weight, more tragically he was losing
the will to live," he said.

"Eating marijuana biscuits helped bring back his appetite and strengthened
his determination to fight the cancer."