Australia to Legalize Medical Marijuana Nationwide in November

The Australian Parliament passed laws that amend national drug laws, including the approval of medical marijuana countrywide. Australians will be able to use medical marijuana beginning in November 2016, under a heavily controlled system. The Therapeutic Goods Administration, similar to the U.S.’s FDA, pushed Parliament’s final decision on the topic.

The Australian government is currently putting together its regulations, reports the International Business Times. In February, lawmakers agreed to changes to the country’s Narcotic Drugs Act, which allows marijuana to be grown for scientific and medicinal purposes.

One main concern is the cost of medical marijuana. Supporters, like Lucy Haslam, is happy to see these changes coming about in Australia. Haslam said, “My fear is that the industry will become so expensive that patients won’t be able to access a legal supply at an affordable price.” She continued saying, “There’s also a lot of work to do on educating people and doctors, some of who remain a bit uncomfortable about prescribing medical cannabis to patients.”

Haslam launched a campaign to legalize medical marijuana after losing her son to cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that studies show that marijuana helps nerve pain and the side effects of chemotherapy.

Photo: metrovaartha.com