21st February 2024 17:52
Victorian Legislative Council, Melbourne
Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (17:52): (722)
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health, Minister Thomas. This week is Medicinal Cannabis Awareness Week – a time to focus on combating the stigma around medicinal cannabis. It also raises awareness about barriers to access.
It was Victoria who led Australia in 2015 with the passage of the Access to Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2015. One of the first groups to access medicinal cannabis under these changes was children with severe epilepsy.
In their second-reading speech on this bill the former Minister for Health, Minister Hennessy, gave an example of one child. This child contracted bacterial meningitis and was left with severe brain damage, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy.
This child’s seizures would last up to an hour and a half. Doctors advised there was nothing that could be done and that the parents should start planning for the child’s funeral.
Fortunately, access to medicinal cannabis oil allowed this child to be seizure-free and to have a good quality of life.
In making these changes, this government recognized that parents should not be forced to turn to the illicit market. They should not do this out of desperation to alleviate the pain and suffering of their children.
But earlier last year the Therapeutic Goods Administration changed the rules for prescribing category 2 medicinal cannabis. These changes affected children under the age of 17.
Instead of a GP prescription, applications must now be supported by a paediatrician or relevant specialist. This means more cost and more wait time.
We know that access to medicinal cannabis has been life-changing and life-saving for many children and their parents. In Penington’s latest report on cannabis in Australia, it was found that most GPs do not have the confidence or knowledge. They cannot effectively discuss medicinal cannabis inquiries with patients.
Of course, we need to protect children’s health with appropriate safeguards. However, we also must avoid inadvertently creating more barriers to access. These barriers fail to address the stigma and knowledge gap associated with medicinal cannabis. So the action I seek is that the minister commit to ensuring that children can receive their prescribed treatment by their GP without impediment. Additionally, health practitioners should receive better training on how and when it is appropriate to prescribe medicinal cannabis.
ANSWER
Written Answer
Received: 18 April 2024
Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP
(Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services)
Access to medicinal cannabis in Victoria is subject to both State and Commonwealth legislation. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), a Commonwealth agency, is responsible for regulatory approvals related to medicinal cannabis products and administration of relevant rules.
The Victorian Government is committed to enabling the lawful use of medicinal cannabis products, subject to appropriate safeguards.
Under the Victorian Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (DPCS Act), any medical practitioner or nurse practitioner may prescribe or supply Schedule 8 medicinal cannabis to their patient within the lawful practice of their profession. There is no age limitation to prescribing or supply by medical practitioners or nurse practitioners under the DPCS Act. However, additional requirements including TGA rules may apply.
The Victorian Government will continue to work alongside the Commonwealth. Together, they aim to ensure that Victorian medical practitioners and nurse practitioners are fully equipped to facilitate appropriate access to medicinal cannabis in Victoria.
