Push to legalise medicinal cannabis to help chronically ill South Australians
IT’s illegal, but for many chronically ill South Australians medicinal cannabis is a lifesaver. Elizabeth Henson reports on the push to legalise the controversial treatment.
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FOR some, it has been a life-changer. For others, a lifesaver.
But those who use medicinal cannabis, or supply it to people in need, face fines of up to $2000 or even jail if caught.
It is a risk that many terminally ill South Australians, as well as those with chronic pain or disorders such as epilepsy, take for a chance at a better quality of life.
One Adelaide father, who did not wish to be identified, says cannabis oil has had a profound, positive impact his 10-year-old daughter.
His daughter was diagnosed with febrile infection-related epilepsy – a rare form of the condition that causes sudden and continuous seizures – when she was just four years old but traditional medicine proved unhelpful.
“The current medical process of prescription drugs doesn’t assist her in any way,” her father said.
Desperate to find his daughter some comfort, he started to research other options and came across medicinal cannabis.
About five months ago, he began sourcing cannabis oil from overseas and from producer Jenny Hallam, of Hillier, who gives away her products free to the sick and terminally ill.
Police raided Ms Hallam’s home on Wednesday, seizing products and equipment – a move that reignited debate across the state as to whether Ms Hallam’s alleged offence ought to be a crime.
The father said it was “absolutely appalling” that legal action was being taken against Ms Hallam.
He said cannabis oil had so far reduced his daughter’s seizures from about 40 a week to 20 a week.
“She wasn’t very verbal before and now she can tell us when she’s about to have (a seizure) and she’s able to show more emotion,” he said.
“She’s a different person to how she used to be.
“It’s absolutely incredible.”
Long-time medicinal cannabis advocate Damon Adams has been using medicinal cannabis for about five years.
Mr Adams, of Greenwith, was in the navy for 11 years before joining the police force, where he sustained a debilitating knee injury.
The 39-year-old, who has since left the force, said as part of his pain management plan, he was prescribed the opiate OxyContin but the side effects, such as headaches, itchiness and overheating, were unbearable.
After researching the use of cannabis for pain relief, he began using cannabis oil.
“(Before), I was always in pain, a six or a seven (out of 10) on a normal day and then it would go to a nine or 10 if you got out of bed wrong,” he said.
“On cannabis, I don’t go beyond a three now.”
Greens MLC Tammy Franks is calling on Premier Jay Weatherill to introduce an amnesty for medicinal cannabis users, those who seek patient access to it and those who provide it.
She said the pardon should be in place until the government finalised the regulation of medicinal cannabis.
Under SA law, it is illegal to possess, supply or administer cannabis, including cannabis oil.
Penalties range from fines up to $2000 to two years’ jail, depending on the offence.
Last November, the Federal Government introduced legislative changes that lay the foundation for states and territories to legalise the use of cannabis products for medicinal purposes.
Under the amendments, medicinal cannabis is available by prescription only and all other types of cannabis remain prohibited.
SA is yet to introduce the changes and is currently seeking public feedback on the move.
Ms Franks said she had been contacted by many people who feared for their own future or that of a loved one since Ms Hallam’s home was raided.
“I’ve had messages from some of them who are incredibly stressed (and) distraught,” she said.
“One parent stated this was a death sentence for her loved one, who has a terminal illness but is currently benefiting from medical cannabis as it is slowing down that process.”
Ms Hallam’s lawyer Heather Stokes said an amnesty was “the least they should be doing”.
Australian Cannabis Corporation founder Ben Fitzsimons said it was “crazy” that people were considered criminals for simply trying to get better by using cannabis oil.
“The government will allow you to go and buy alcohol and go and buy cigarettes and other things that can kill you ... yet cannabis, that has proven health benefits, we’re not allowed to use that – it’s naughty,” he said.
The good oil on cannabis
■ Medicinal cannabis is a term used to describe a range of cannabis products produced for therapeutic use, including tablets, oils and tinctures.
■ It is used to treat or provide pain relief for various conditions, such as cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain.
■ Users report medicinal cannabis offers an effective alternative to traditional medicine but SA Health says there is little “high quality research” on the benefits of it.
■ The organisation does concede there has been reported success in relieving symptoms of multiple sclerosis and epilepsy as well as the reliving of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
■ SA Health says the side effects of chronic use of medicinal cannabis are not yet known.
■ The Federal Government last November introduced legislative changes that allow states and territories to legalise the use of cannabis products for medicinal purposes.
Under the changes, medicinal cannabis will be available by prescription from an authorised medical practitioner only. All other types of cannabis remain prohibited.
■ SA is yet to change its regulations in line with the federal laws. It is seeking public feedback.