ACTION ALERT: Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill
Go to Drug Law Reform Metiria Turei took on Nandor Tanczos's private members bill to enable cannabis to be prescribed by doctors to patients. And it has finally been drawn from the ballot. It is set to be debated for the first time on 15 November 2006.
It is likely to be a conscience issue for MP's so it is important to lobby MP's on a personal level.
1. What does the bill do?
Read the Medicinal Cannabis bill here.
The Bill would allow registered medical practitioners to prescribe cannabis to those with specific serious medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and those suffering from nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy.
A person who is over 18 (or with parental consent, under 18) can apply for a Medicinal Cannabis Identification Card if they suffer one or more of a list of specified conditions and have written support from their doctor. The card holder or their designated agent may cultivate and possess, at his or her place of residence, cannabis in amounts prescribed by their doctor. The card is valid for 12 months. The Ministry will keep a record of cardholders, the agents and the amounts of cannabis prescribed by their doctor and share with the police.
2. How to convince MP's to support the bill
REMEMBER that many MP's still hold prejudiced views about people who are cannabis users. You need to convince them that these prejudices are wrong. This bill is about ill people having access to the best possible medicine for them. It is about doctors deciding whether this medicine is appropriate, not Ministers or MP's.
3. Contact MPs
We will soon have a E-Card that you will be able to send MP's. Keep a watch on this page for that card.
Otherwise you can email MP's from any political party about the bill.
Writing letters to MPs
Writing letters is often more useful than emails. You don't need a stamp to write letters to MPs. A full list of MPs and their contact details is available on the Parliamentary Website.
Personal visits to MPs
Personally visiting an MP is one of the most effective ways of persuading him or her to support the medicinal cannabis bill. If you've got the time for this, give it a go. A full list of MPs and their contact details is available on the Parliamentary Website (link above).
4. Other information
If you would like other information you can find it here:
Doctors survey (PDF format)
One third of doctors surveyed said they would consider prescribing cannabis. 47% had patients who had discussed the option of cannabis as a medicine.
GREENCROSS is a patient orientated organisation committed to making cannabis legally available for medicinal purposes.
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