Australia’s Prime Minister Announces Support for Legalizing Medical Cannabis
Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced his support for the legalization of medical cannabis.
“I have no problem with the medical use of cannabis, just as I have no problem with the medical use of opiates,” Mr Abbott wrote in a recent letter sent to radio host Alan Jones. “If a drug is needed for a valid medicinal purpose though and is being administered safely there should be no question of its legality. And if a drug that is proven to be safe abroad is needed here it should be available.”
He continues; “I agree that the regulation of medicines is a thicket of complexity, bureaucracy and corporate and institutional self interest. My basic contention is that something that has been found to be safe in a reliable jurisdiction shouldn’t need to be tested again here.”
According to polling released in July, only 14% of those in Australia oppose legalizing medical cannabis, while 65% are in favor.
– TheJointBlog