Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

The Turnbull government is incredibly sympathetic to the suffering of those Australians with debilitating chronic illnesses and we want to ensure that they get access to the most effective medical treatments available. In October this year the government announced that it will amend the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 to allow the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes and to facilitate access for patients to a safe, legal and sustainable supply of locally produced products. The regulation and approval of new medicinal cannabis products will continue to be managed under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. There are a number of pathways that allow doctors to prescribe an unapproved medicine, such as medicinal cannabis, to patients in need. The government strongly supports evidence based medicine in ensuring that new treatments are clinically trialled and proven. The government plans to strike the right balance between patient access, community protection and our international obligations.