Victoria to legalise medical cannabis

Click play to hear Tom Elliot discuss the new laws with Health Minister Jill Hennessy

The Andrews Government will change the law to allow cannabis to be grown, manufactured and sold for medicinal purposes in Victoria after recommendations from the law reform commission.

The Victorian Law Reform Commission has made 42 recommendations to legalise the use of medical marijuana, including:

• that cultivators and manufacturers be licensed;
• that the product be sold at pharmacies;
• that specialist medical practitioners authorise such treatment

The report recommends the drug be used in exceptional circumstances to treat conditions including multiple sclerosis, cancer, AIDS, and epilepsy.

Daniel Andrews, ‘this is one of the best days in my political life.’ Regarding legalising medical cannabis. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/uXjzhZDRZJ

? Lauren Hilbert (@laurenhilbert) October 6, 2015

Trials of the drug will begin next year, but the commission says changing the law should not wait.

The government has accepted all the recommendations, but says it will consult more broadly on what conditions should be eligible to use the drug.

Legalisation is expected to take effect in 2017.

The report says the government will need to work closely with the Commonwealth to ensure it goes ahead.