Australia Expected to Legalize Medical Marijuana Cultivation

The Liberal Party in Australia is making an attempt to amend the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967. The Parliament will hear arguments that support the legalization of medical marijuana growing nationwide. The Liberal Party is optimistic that the bill will pass as opposing parties have changed their stance on marijuana for medical use.

The medical marijuana program in Australia would be similar to the programs already working in the U.S. The country would approve proper dispensing locations and establish regulations for medical marijuana grows and sales for patients with chronic health conditions.

Victoria, a state in Australia, began efforts to legalize medical marijuana cultivation prior to this bill coming forth. Some states, just like the U.S., are working to create their own regulations regarding medical marijuana. The new bill would legalize medical use cultivation nationwide.

The Australian Health Minister, Sussan Ley, told Parliament, “This government understands that there are some Australians suffering from severe conditions for which cannabis may have applications and we want to enable access to the most effective medical treatments available,” according to Quartz.

The Health Minister added in an additional statement that, “I am confident creating one single, nationally consistent cultivation scheme, rather than eight individual arrangements, will not only help speed up the legislative and regulatory process, but ultimately access to medicinal cannabis products as well.”

Laws regarding the legal cultivation of medical marijuana are projected to be in place by March.