It is important to correct misleading claims made by the Greens yesterday that access to unregistered medical cannabis products will be restricted under the Controlled Access Scheme (CAS).
The scheme is not restricted to Epilepsy.
Medical specialists will be able to seek authority to prescribe these products for any condition they think could be assisted.
These conditions may include severe Epilepsy or the side effects of cancer pain treatments, among others.
It is not up to the Government to tell doctors what conditions can or cannot be treated with these products, provided they are a qualified specialist for that particular medical condition.
We are working with senior clinicians through our Expert Reference Groups on Epilepsy, oncology/palliative care and pain.
The Government’s responsible announcement has been welcomed by medical cannabis advocates, the AMA and Epilepsy Tasmania as striking the right balance for medical access and patient safety.