Tasmania and NSW unite to advance medicinal cannabis research
The NSW and Tasmanian Governments will team up to further improve our understanding of the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis in providing relief for people suffering from a range of serious illnesses.
NSW Premier Mike Baird and Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman will today sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see both states work collaboratively on a range of initiatives – including clinical trials, innovative research, and developing capacity for the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and scientific purposes.
Premier Hodgman said the MoU recognises Tasmania’s research strengths and proven track record in regulating poppy cultivation.
“Importantly, this MoU recognises Tasmania’s expertise in research and our world-leading regulation and cultivation of poppies,” Mr Hodgman said.
“It provides for collaborative state-based cultivation trials to enhance our understanding of cannabis cultivation in Australia for medicinal and scientific purposes.”
The NSW Government has established the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research & Innovation to help progress cannabinoid research and support evidence-based innovation.
It has also announced three clinical trials – targeting children with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy; adults with terminal illness; and adults with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Mr Baird said it is important that decisions motivated by compassion are supported by strong science.
“There is a strong willingness and determination to learn as much as we can about the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis so we can make decisions based on evidence, that provide safe and effective relief for patients who are suffering from a range of serious illnesses,” Mr Baird said.
“This agreement between NSW and Tasmania is just further evidence of the strong commitment from government at all levels to collaborate and cooperate on what is an incredibly complex issue,” Mr Baird said.
The NSW and Tasmanian Government have also reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to achieve a nationally-coherent and effective approach to regulation and access to medicinal cannabis products.