Legalisation of medical cannabis and euthanasia are back on the national political agenda following a passionate speech in parliament by Greens Senator Richard Di Natale.
Describing cannabis as a “medicine like no other”, Senator Di Natale compared its potential benefits with the use of digitalis for heart conditions and poppies for pain relief.
The former general practitioner raised the case of a Tamworth couple who have decided to break the law to provide the drug to their 24 year-old son who is terminally ill with bowel cancer.
“It had a significant effect on his nausea where other drugs failed,” Senator Di Natale said.
“Why is it that they are in this pernicious situation where, instead of getting a script from a doctor to get access to medication that relieves them of their suffering, they have to find a dealer and purchase a product of uncertain strength and purity?”
The senator has joined other prominent Australians such as Emeritus Professor Laurence Mather and Dr Alex Wodak in expressing support for a legal framework for the lawful supply of medical cannabis.
Last year the NSW state government rejected the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes, claiming a lack of evidence for its efficacy and uncertainty about safety.
Regarding voluntary euthanasia, Senator Di Natale said he struggled with his responsibility as a doctor to prolong life, but concluded that medical practitioners should respect patients’ wishes about their pain and suffering.
“On the face of it, one would assume this is the most basic of human rights – the control over our own deaths, the ability to seek medical assistance to exercise that control,” he said.
“It is classic liberal philosophy; respect for the rights of the individual.”
Legalisation of medical cannabis and euthanasia are back on the national political agenda following a passionate speech in parliament by Greens Senator Richard Di Natale.Describing cannabis as a “medicine like no other”, Senator Di Natale compared its potential benefits with the use of digitalis for heart conditions and poppies for pain relief.The former general practitioner raised the case of a Tamworth couple who have decided to break the law to provide the drug to their 24 year-old son who is terminally ill with bowel cancer.“It had a significant effect on his nausea where other drugs failed,” Senator Di Natale said.“Why is it that they are in this pernicious situation where, instead of getting a script from a doctor to get…
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