Shane Rattenbury is leading the push for medical marijuana to be legalised. Photo: Karleen Minney
A Legislative Assembly committee will consider proposed laws allowing terminally and chronically ill Canberrans to grow marijuana and use the drug to alleviate their pain and symptoms.
The Greens-led push to legalise medical cannabis would see patients apply to the ACT Chief Health Officer for approval to possess and use cannabis as part of pain relief.
An exposure draft of the legislation and discussion paper put forward by Minister Shane Rattenbury on the issue will go before the Assembly’s standing committee on health, ageing, community and social services for a report to be tabled by June 2015.
Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has expressed reservations about aspects of the plan. Photo: Rohan Thomson
The move is expected to see individuals, advocates and experts give evidence on the controversial proposal before members of the Assembly vote next year.