Clinical trials of medical cannabis welcomed

ALCP MEDIA RELEASE 23/05/14
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News that the Associate Health Minister is considering allowing a clinical trial of low-THC cannabis on New Zealand patients, is welcomed by the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party.

ALCP deputy leader Abe Gray said Charlotte's Web cannabis oil had already shown promising results for children with a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet's syndrome.

"Clinical trials for medical cannabis were recommended by the Law Commission's report into the Misuse of Drugs Act," Mr Gray said.

"New Zealand could become a world leader in the field if our scientists can begin using cannabis for medical research."

ALCP has allocated $100 million for clinical trials of medical cannabis in its shadow budget as well as a further $40 million for research scholarships.

Trials will include treatments for chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, nausea, depression, eating disorders and skin conditions. Cannabis has also shown promise in the fight against MRSA and other superbugs.

Mr Gray said Harvard Medical School had described cannabis as "the wonder drug of the 21st century", so New Zealand could not afford to be left behind on the issue.

"Not only can cannabinoids be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, they can also be used to create customised medications tailored to each patient," he said.

"Replacing hospital bedding with hemp fabric could also reduce infections."

ENDS

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte's_Web_(cannabis)
http://my.lawsociety.org.nz/news/2011/government-gives-response-to-law-commission-drug-law-review
http://alcp.org.nz/budget
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/410815/a-new-mrsa-defense/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1121619/
http://www.truthonpot.com/2013/07/15/company-develops-anti-bacterial-hemp-fabric-to-fight-spread-of-staph/

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