diyhealth.com

New Zealand’s Push for Medical Cannabis

Medical-Cannabis

On Dec. 20, New Zealand finally moved forward on medical cannabis after years of stagnation. While the neighbouring country of Australia legalized medical marijuana, conducted cutting-edge research into cannabis treatments, and poised itself for large exports of the medicine, New Zealand seemingly remained in limbo on the issue.

Medical-Cannabis

Now that the Kiwi nation has a new government, they have decided to introduce the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill. This legislation, which is expected to pass due to overwhelming support, will effectively pave the way for the domestic cultivation and manufacturing of cannabis products in New Zealand.

In a unique scenario, the government has recognized that the bureaucratic process to introduce medical cannabis could take up to two years. So, in light of those facts, New Zealand will decriminalize the possession and use of illegal cannabis for those who are terminally ill.

“There will be people who can’t wait,” said Health Minister David Clark. “As an interim measure, the legislation will create a legal defence for possession and use of illicit cannabis for people who are expected by their doctors to be in their last year of life.”

Clark went on to add that this does not legalize cannabis but it does decriminalize substance for those specific patients.

Until New Zealand can grow their own crops, they will be looking at importing medicine from countries who export cannabis.

Medical-Cannabis

The leading country for marijuana exports is Canada, with approximately 80 licensed producers of various sizes. One company in particular, Indiva Limited based out of London Ontario, definitely has its sights set on international exports. The company is traded on the venture exchange and has recently concluded a very successful round of funding.

Whomsoever New Zealand decides to import their marijuana from, this step in the right direction from a first world country shows that cannabis may be legal everywhere soon because the medicinal benefits are too great to ignore.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top