Boom in use of medical cannabis in Australia 🌿⚕ | Landline | ABC Australia

There's a boom in the use of pharmaceutical cannabis in Australia. More than a million prescriptions have been filled since medical cannabis was legalised in 2016.
Now there are calls to decriminalise the drug for recreational use, to meet a global market tipped to be worth trillions. Landline's Sean Murphy reports.
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[@Jake_UpNorthFishingAdventures]

This is all well and good, but I can't use medicinal cannabis to treat my mental health and sleep issues without being paranoid about losing my licence for having THC in my system. Then I won't be able to get to work, can't pay my bills, and everything will turn to shit. It's stupid because I know that medicinal cannabis works wonders for me.

[@BwahBwah]

This is changing soon. I hear Tasmania prescription holders can produce a positive thc test and as long as they aren't Impaired, they are ok to drive. Same I have heard in Queensland too

[@xNatheeeGamer]

Same. Meanwhile, take cocaine all you want....

[@SHADOWZANDLIGHT]

@@BwahBwahnegative for Queensland mate I hear same about Tassie but in QLD we can still be done based on presence in saliva not impairment

[@groundworks81]

only take the cbd oil without thc and you will have medicinal and a job

[@limecat7996]

@@BwahBwah i need to look into this, im from tas this would be a god send. i find cannabis helps with ADHD symptoms, stress and anxiety. also helps me keep a apitite (was on anphetimines for a bit, legally from a dr) but just felt like a zombie and was only eating 1 meal a day most days.

[@grahammaranda3993]

Around 3 years ago my mate (brain cancer) was advised (yes I was present and heard the words) by a Professor of Medicine, "We can't do anymore go home and wait". His family put my mate on medical cannabis. Months later the medical doctors could not believe he was still alive. He survived for another 18 plus months which allowed him to put his life into order. PS: His family had to covertly obtain and administer. I weas proud to help.

[@deicidalmaniac]

That's sad to hear the system let your mate down, Even sadder knowing that your mate could have accessed medicinal cannabis legally if he was directed to the right clinic/doctor. Keep sharing your story, knowledge helps us all.

[@JimmyChangE16]

Mate bless you, so many have died prematurely because this type of treatment was out of reach and made impossible to obtain, hold your head up high! much respect

[@schizofennec]

you're a great friend, thank you for giving him the gift of marijuana so he could live longer. Sorry for your loss. try to remember all the good times you shared with them if possible. 💜

[@geoffballe8766]

Good man

[@NZKiwi87]

You can be proud of your part in easing his last months of life

[@davidsaurine8108]

I am now able to hold down a job dew to now getting proper amounts of sleep and my anxiety has been at an all time low in last 16 years because of medical cannabis...thank you to guys like this who work hard to get it right 👍

[@robgoodburn6178]

What do you take for sleep, how and the amount please?

[@CRFLAus]

I've bought CBD from America for $60. The exact same product here in Australia with a prescription is $400. Between us the people and the gatekeepers of the government, we'll always get screwed. Australia is becoming an embarrassment.

[@kenbellchambers4577]

Yep, 7,000 dollars a kilo for chinese lab-rat pot grown in Cananda. Insanity from the 'government' as usual.

[@gaoxiaen1]

WOW! What a scam!

[@Jack-gn4gl]

Amazing how big business can operate but they still consider you a criminal if you want to grow it yourself

[@ISmellGravy]

That’s Australia in a nutshell

[@PhallacEye]

Yeah caus you aren't paying tax on your own plants. Thats all the Govt cares about.

[@lesliedevlin8501]

True true true thanks bro 💯💯💯👍👍👍 Les from Perth WA

[@JasonBolitho1994]

not true. you can grow ur own weed. and even if you get caught you are not considered a criminal. its decriminalised ffs.

[@NullaNulla]

@@PhallacEye "Yeah caus you aren't paying tax on your own plants. Thats all the Govt cares about." YOU GOT IT DEAD RIGHT THERE!!

[@NeilJR]

State governments need to look at their DUI driving laws so people caught with medical cannabis in saliva during a roadside drug test are not penalized.

[@stopandsmelltheroses104]

Yes imagine how many people drive each day after taking tga approved opioids like panadeine forte, oxycodone etc for chronic pain conditions. These drugs cause extreme drowsiness and affect coordination. Some of the medicinal cannabis products containing lower doses of thc wouldn’t have the same effect as opioids. Big Pharma doesn’t like the sales going down on their beloved opioid drugs.

[@kenbellchambers4577]

Give people who read positive in a roadside saliva analysis a test, similar to a sobriety test, to check for impairment. If they pass the test, leave them alone.

[@maybee6918]

I’ve known the benefits for years and I think we need to legalise it so everyone can enjoy the goodness. Take it out of the hands of criminals so that government gets the taxes and it will lead to a happier, relaxed and more progressive Australia. Weed over alcohol anytime.

[@edwardhurley1602]

The government having our best interests? Never

[@poogle9368]

Oh yeah dude, our alcohol culture is actually crazy. Having more legal weed surely would stop a shitload of brain damage and overdose deaths.

[@sypher0101]

"more progressive Australia" no thanks.

[@olmansam348]

The criminals are the government 🥸

[@SuiGenerisPerspicacity]

>progressive

[@vhwft]

I have chronic pain. I am on medicinal cannabis and it has helped heaps. My I have reports from 8 independent doctors stating it is helping, but one old specialist my insurance company sent me to stated there is no evidence cannabis reduces the pain and feels it is an addictive substance and I would be better off on opioid medications. I had an issue with opioids and have almost had an accidental overdose. I have got off all opioid medication and moved to solely medical cannabis.

[@allaura64]

Very BIG pharmaceutical companies control the opioid medications, and those companies control doctors, politicians and just about anyone involved in healthcare provision, including private insurance companies. Their company profits, always come before your health, and they'll give you any flimsy excuse they can to pressure you into expensive opioid prescriptions that create a constant revenue stream for them. Cannabis more addictive than opioids!? LOL... since when.

[@JaiCahill-cd1uw]

I think for people with addictive personalities it could be a gateway drug, however I don't think that should stop Drs prescribing it to people who need it OR people who want it recreationally. That is just my opinion...

[@RapIsLife2000]

The doctors with old mentalities have no place in modern medicinal medication. It's been proven for 10s of thousands of years this plant works.

[@michaelkeudel8770]

I picked up a new strain called ice cream cake over the weekend, and for the first time in years the burning/strain in my back muscles has gone 90% away, relief after years of pain.

[@jadecawdellsmith4009]

@JaiCahill-cd1uw gateway 2 what exactly? That's like saying tobacco is a gateway drug & I don't think anyone really believes that

[@thegoldensnitch6312]

Why do we need to waste money on clinical trials? They’ve already been done worldwide.

[@kenbellchambers4577]

The Lady Wooten report, conducted by doctors, recommended to leave the pot users alone. The Panama Canal US Army Corps of Engineers report, conducted by doctors, recommended to leave the soldiers, that were smoking Panama Red, alone. The La Guardia report, conducted by doctors in NY City, recommended to leave the pot users alone. The Nixon report, conducted by doctors recommended to leave the pot users alone. This was all ignored due to the endless fabrications and dishonest lobbying put out by the American Brewers Association, mostly owned by Germans. Strange because alcohol is implicated in the majority of crime, but cannabis causes no crime at all. Leave us alone to grow our own, and you will have so much less crime and stupidity that the tax lost will be more than compensated for by far less stupid behavior caused by alcohol.

[@betty1497]

So good to see an Australian company working at the cutting edge of medical care

[@kenbellchambers4577]

So good! They get seven thousand dollars a kilo for what we can grow better ourselves in the yard.

[@RS-uw2zm]

Road side testing and workplace testing are keeping this medicine unaccessible for most Australians

[@kenbellchambers4577]

They hate it because good homegrown pot cures stupidity - can't have that!!

[@Antechynus]

Let us grow our own.... no one wants big business or big pharma owning access to this wonderful plant.

[@whitewaterwarrior3339]

Then they cant tax you a million dollars

[@republicofcasuals]

This is my only fear in that they legalize it only for purchase and not grown at home....

[@nathanmendham4347]

The problem is the laws around driving while being prescribed medicinal cannabis. Im not saying take the oil or vape the flower then get in the car and drive because thats dumb, but even 6-8hours later when not affected by the THC component, it still shows on a roadside MDT and the cops dont care, you're in the bin and off to court as a drug driver.

[@brucejensen3081]

There should be an impairment test, for pharmaceutical drugs too. You can be off your nut on diazepam, but free to go, cause they don't test for that. Whereas a person on 8% thc 15% cbd can have no psychoactive effect, but get done

[@WorIdComingDown]

*48hrs

[@MrHendo90]

I get nervous every time I drive

[@kellygarsed2561]

I heard in news this week there starting trials on the driving side of MJ , therel be guide lines just like alcohol

[@LegendLength]

I haven't bothered looking at statistics but i'd bet alcohol is much worse for crashes compared to pot (taking usage rates into account etc.). If that's true then it's a good tool for the pro-marijuana side. It's hard to argue against.

[@NZ_sharpie]

being a patient while i could afford it. it was the best treatment for my pain and stomach problems. but it was costing me nearly 950 a month i used it for 4 months but then had to go back to my old pills that are only 100 a month. now my pain and stomach troubles are back and now anxiety as i can go out much with out worrying about crapping myself in public!. im hoping for it to be subsidised for all soon. (40year old)

[@ISmellGravy]

%100 agree with you it's so overpriced for medicinal cannabis. Just shows where the government has there priorities on. PROFIT!

[@BigRick50]

Grow it in your backyard. 1large plant will get you high for a year.

[@Schikitar]

Sounds like you need to be on a low FODMAP diet if not already..

[@user-ub2mu6iz5y]

Yes, it is a bit of a rort, the way they run their medicinal cannabis companies. I could only afford it for a couple of months, also. They keep you poor by insisting on ongoing "medical" consultations, and then prescribing unsuitable medicine for one's particular condition. And, when you find something that works, it quickly becomes far too expensive. Oils, which I find to be more beneficial, are completely out of my reach at the moment. I would like to try transdermal patches, but they are unavailable in Australia.

[@MrHendo90]

The cbd oil is just too much. Hundreds for a bottle

[@LivingNomad]

Only problem with medical cannabis ATM is price and variety of choice wish they would make it recreational already

[@elsweeto6679]

Yea not to mention the constant “check ups” that cost

[@33mavboy]

What are you on about, there is hundreds if not thousands of strains to choose from and the price is constantly getting cheaper? let alone the quality is usually better than street crap sold by bikies or chinahats, all the small growers that grow good non pgr cannabis, get raided because they aren't in the game and don't know how to watch out. Make it recreational? yes and also make it legal to grow personally.

[@WhatisAPaladin]

Price aint a problem wtf are you talking about? my mate uses it for his ribs and cant work but he can afford it perfectly fine.

[@simonp9471]

Compared to street prices, it's way cheaper and much higher quality. I was smoking PGR trash before I got onto it. It's actually nice to have some bud that's 23-26% THC. It's nice to know what I'm smoking.

[@jadecawdellsmith4009]

@elsweeto6679 my local Dr here in Cairns only needs 2 b seen every 6 months & it's 35 bucks out of pocket. Not 2 bad IMO.

[@Razor179100]

Please legalize it, rather this than drinking.

[@diocletianrecords1089]

Residents in care homes shouldn't be evicted for smoking cannabis.

[@outseeker]

so true. this is not a thing that needs to be illegal, and it's not a thing that needs opiate-levels of security and concern. it's a massive industry, with infinite possibilities, that other countries will capitalise on if we won't. it doesn't need to be prohibitively expensive to grow, it is quite literally a weed, and none of it needs to go to waste. truly an ideal industry.

[@general_zizi1156]

I have struggled with mental illness and my mental health since I was a kid. Before I even knew what those terms were. After years of depression, anxiety, and even an attempt to take my life, I never thought I would be able to live without psych medications. I clung to them because it was the only thing that made my mind quiet, but it also made me a zombie. Microdosing has given me control of my mental health for the first time, and they essentially gave me my life back.

[@thegrindfather]

its sickening how much money the government "needs" to process a piece of paper.

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Almost like it's a scam.

[@brianeno608]

The fact it's 2023 we have electric cars and hydrogen power, we have landed on the dark side of the moon, and yet cannabis is still demonised in Australia and illegal. Don't even get me started on how auspolice test for trace amounts of weed to prosecute innocent civilians, any wonder sovereign citizens exist.

[@soultrap8554]

Until driving and and workplace laws are fixed its still only barely legal.

[@Waluigi666]

It's insane right, I'm basically taking meth for my ADHD and driving on that is fine. But I take medical cannabis during the week and license 🤣

[@NullaNulla]

Unfortunately you're 100% right. It's screwed me with driving because I can't afford the risk but I can't not take pain relief else I'm liable to do something drastic. There is a push for the changes at least for medical users but the old gronks in the craphouse in Canberra just can't see past their own noses. Most can vape/smoke, go to bed, sleep it off and be ready to drive next morning alike boozing up all night but because they have invested money in chasing booze and it's "amount" in the blood, it's treated different. Bloody stupid!

[@todddickson558]

I take medicinal via oil and vape. I do it late in the day when I have nothing on and I can just relax. I take the oil before bed, and wake up normal because I'm no longer under the influence. But it will still show up on a test as positive. 'Positive but not under the influence' that's what I'll tell a court if ever charged. Time for the laws to come into line and sort this out or we will continue to clog the courts and waste more dollars.

[@NFSWARFARE]

I got a dui for pot was told it would only be a fine, paid that. 5 months later 3 month suspension, made work much harder to get too, depressed. Eventually got to 3 years since obtaining my license went to upgrade to fulls to drive my new car(barely over p plate power to weight restriction, over 20 years old probs as fast as modern camry) got told Nah gotta wait 6 months now to upgrade. That was start of 2023 I got my fulls July I'm still reeling from the 6 months and I'm a mess now mentally and physically, my anxiety and depression has gotten so much worse than it needed to all cause of some ignorant snob carnts in parliament that all have had ez lives while I'm out here suffering mentally for years cause things this government can't acknowledge I could go on I've just really being dealt the short straw

[@JamesS.254]

From ALL of the video's and article's I've seen and heard, this one video has one sentence that actually makes a really good point and a shty reason as to why this plant/drug hasn't been decriminalized and brought to market sooner, "it's a plant and can't be patented". It has always come down to money and greed.

[@kenbellchambers4577]

Yep, I can grow iconic holistic pot for free. It is twenty times better than lab pot.

[@quatermass8]

It works on Nausea as well. A funny story, once when much younger, my crew and I went visiting but I was pretty gooey at the time, felt like vomiting. Anyway we went in and sat down and they were passing the bong around. When it was my turn I just refused saying i'd throw up on the spot if I did that. I was pretty sure it would be the worst thing to do given the queasiness. However they kept pushing me saying id feel better, but I wouldn't have bar of it. They didn't give up. They were slightly bogan folk, mostly strangers at the time, and I eventually caved in under peer pressure. Now get this - about 3 to 5 seconds after the cone, my nausea completely vanished. And they were all just in the circle sitting there grinning at me! I was quite thankful. It was amazing how pronounced the change was. It wasn't a placebo situation as I was expecting things to go the other direction ! It felt like magic.

[@davidm4677]

It’s miracle medicine I know about benefits for 30yrs

[@Swingin_wit_Willy]

I have been on medical cannibis for 3 months now and my prescription med intake has significantly been decreased, I have more mobility and less pain, stress, anxiety and am able to work for longer periods of time. The cbd is a massive help during the day and it means that I don't have to consume food just to have a pill, which can cause stomach ulcers if not consumed with food... cbd does not need food, milk is enough to help metabolise it. The flower helps alot for night time pain and sleep. It should be legalised, but big pharma is still the go to even with all the know side effects of the pain and anti inflammatory pills. Hopefully soon.

[@HebrewHammerArmsCo]

Wish my mum could afford it. Her opiate Pain Medication costs about $30 a month. She tried Medical Cannabis, Worked great for her, But that one month cost was about $400.

[@johnduncomb3519]

My wife has chronic back pain, the specialists only action is reduce the opiates which makes life more intolerable. She can hardly function as the pain is so debilitating.

[@freeasihavebeendeceivedtob7361]

Its “legal” as long as the gov has their fingers in the pie .

[@MultiShmed]

After the pandemic and the economy suffering, why would one not want a product that could heal the nation’s problems?

[@youwantshum9860]

But how will poor old big pharma make any money?

[@mmapng]

My grandma had a bad case of athritis whilst we were in our other relatives house in austrailia, she had feinted and couldnt stand up without excruciating pain so we had called the ambulance. After they arrived i was suprised to see they had admistered her with some sortve cannabis medicine from which she inhaled and afterwards the inflammation and pain went down alot she said she felt so much better . this was in brisbane, sunny banks, the medicinal uses of cannabis can be really helpful for the elderly 🙏❤️‍🔥

[@unregisturd]

Australia, always so slow on the uptake...

[@odyseeone]

The war on drugs is immoral. Those who perpetuate the war on drugs are immoral. Those who have the power to end the war on drugs but don't are immoral!

[@Judgeharm]

I am a PhD clinical psychologist. I absolutely ruined my back a few years ago. If I didn't have access to THC medications I don't know what I would do; standard pain meds did next to nothing for my nerve-related pain. I do wish there was more relaxed regulations about work with THC, at least on par with other medications. I can use 20mg of oxy no problems and practice. But I can't use a low dose oil for THC. Doesn't seem comparable. If the concern is that people impaired at any level cannot work then that is fine. But one medication should not be permitted, especially one that is highly addictive, but another cannot. Also the cost of about $130 for 10g is prohibitively expensive.

[@cj54car]

Very well said.

[@neromax4424]

Getting it onto the PBS would truly open the door for these Aussie companies to have real opportunity here and not just a little overseas. I was surprised to learn it has been a thing here since 2016 yet there are still so many barriers these companies have to navigate to not even make profit, its bloody stupid.

[@Astrell]

Putting it on PBS does nothing but support huge pharmaceutical companies. If the government actually cared about medical or recreational users, they would legalise cultivation. Cannabis is not some mystical compound, it's a plant. Let people grow it.

[@BwahBwah]

I get mine under PBS. I only pay $7.30 per script. I'm prescribed 30g per script. 60ml 20% thc oil and 60ml cbd oil, all for $21.90

[@allaura64]

@neromax4424 bloody stupid is right mate, the world is laughing at us, they think that Steve Irwin is our national mascot.

[@theguvner83]

​@@BwahBwahhow and where?

[@NullaNulla]

@@Astrell Whilst I agree with you, a good start would be at least "listing" it so those of us who are no longer able to work due to pain or whatever can at least afford the product properly.

[@gardengeek3041]

I smoked it regularly for 30 yrs while running a small business. It diminished stress and chronic back pain. But, stopped using upon retiring, 15 years ago. By then, I found it was interfering too much with brain function. But, by age 70, like the lady playing piano, I picked up a very painful autoimmune disease, RA. Medical cannabis is no help on that, for me. It depends on a person's DNA. Change of diet and laboratory medicines help me lead an active life. Did not know Australia was so far advanced in this field of more natural medicines. All the best to researchers and suppliers! This was a very balanced and informative report.

[@quirky559]

I got onto medicinal cannabis in January 2022. I'm a chef by trade, at the time my sciatica was so bad I was struggling to get through a 40hr work week. The improvement in my sleep,pain and subsequently my mental health was quick and i was working 60-80hrs a week for 3months in better shape physically and mentally. It also removes the stigma users can live with, getting it from a pharmacy is a lot easier and safer than meeting some bloke in a dominos car park.

[@Ozzierob]

Big Pharma keep blocking it

[@ben_astro]

I have sciatica too and i have to get mine the dodgy way but it works and now im more mobile.

[@Bartwon]

They do have to change the law to ensure those on low THC medical cannabis can drive. The current detection doesn’t discern small traces than larger

[@lizdexamphetamine]

i reckon better impairment testing honestly. if youre talking about on the spot drug tests like RBT i mean. cause people who are on prescription medication for ADHD will test positive for stimulants and painkillers for opioids, right? and even when you are supposed to be taking those, impairment will happen, true? if you're prescribed, it's down to how impaired your driving abilities are, not how much is in your system

[@lizdexamphetamine]

granted that leaves a lot of room for abuse of power but when isnt that a possibility. there are more in depth tests they can do to see how much thc is in your system as well they just arent instant

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

High THC is also fine to drive on. There is no impairment.

[@andrewmeiklem5098]

Cbd isolate is an option 4 drivers

[@dunxy]

@@lizdexamphetamine Opioids dont trigger the lolipos mate, its only THC, amphetamines, mdma and when they feel like it coke. Actual impairment tests would be great, get plenty of the people who are impaired by just their skill and not just a litmus test that , especially in the case of THC, means nothing, while poor drivers get a free pass.

[@user-fd4jb9wk7c]

I do security on a very large organic commercial cannabis farm in NM. As someone who's tried it but doesn't use it while working on a recreational farm i think it's insane that Australia doesn't even have medical cannabis legalized.

[@nananana-yl1hy]

absolute disgrace, what about the 1000s of people in jail for non violent cannabis offenses? its all ok now because big money wants onboard?

[@hambone6741]

I hate the background checks for working legally in the cannabis industry here in Australia. The people with cannabis charges are the first people who should be employed in the industry legally. But they should have the option aswell to be educated if need be with course's in TAFE/University. Unfortunately convicted are told no your not in.

[@pauljones6328]

Hence why it will take longer for them to find out the tricks to get higher levels of THC higher yields etc. People who have years of hands on experience and data ( you always log your grows to keep an eye on ph changes etc and end dry weight,lst vs hst, cloning at different stages reverting back from flower to veg etc) they only holding themselves back

[@adamarzo559]

@@pauljones6328 I don't know why there's this misconception that only street growers can grow good weed. Upstate is exceptionally good and I believe it's grown domestically. Do a THC test on street buds from multiple different sources, then do a THC test on multiple different companies who locally grow. I think the results will speak for themselves.

[@PhallacEye]

Yeah caus you're considered a criminal risk for growing/consuming the product that they're legally growing. Ironic.

[@ytthecommunistplatform.2675]

Yep the new ametures have no idea . Been doing it for over 30 years we have in aus .

[@vanillagorillaog]

Found the dealers! Y'all deliver? 😂😂

[@_Game0ver_]

9:03 "You can't smoke a natural plant. Meanwhile, we get paid megabucks to play with our phones while serious issues are being put to parliament" - Our politicians

[@zokie77]

They only care about a topic when someone is giving them a nice lump sum under the table :)

[@VictoriaWargaming]

eh it's still illegal in Australia? It was legalised here in Canada a couple of years back and there's been no downside - in fact, tax revenues have proven to be an upside.

[@lizdexamphetamine]

i think Reefer Madness is still required viewing for members of parliament here

[@vanillagorillaog]

Mate legalisation by 2046 will be lightning fast for Australia

[@slatert1222]

Yeah just gotta look at the tabacco rates to see what’d happen here

[@THICCTHICCTHICC]

Australia has had a string of leaders who have literally no interest in touching the laws whatsoever because they don't want to risk losing votes

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

Untill it's legal to drive a vehicle for chronic pain persons using these products in NSW the market wil be a lot smaller.

[@hhhugz5826]

It is an amazing plant with endless benefits. over use as with anything is not good for anoyone ( same with prescription drugs) but in moderation it can work wonders. It has been used for thousands of years, tried and tested.

[@two-chicks]

It's actually been recorded historically in writing for 7000-9000 years, thanks to the Egyptians and chinese records.. but the fact that we are born with cannabinoid receptors in our brains shows that our genetic link was formed over tens of millions of years ago

[@SuperHowie001]

Typical Australia last out the Blocks .

[@JasonBolitho1994]

not true. sa had it legal years ago.

[@micahcavanough6362]

It shouldn't be regulated, just because the government exists doesn't mean it should control every aspect of reality, give the power to the people, stop government control.

[@tazsnoop1044]

I have been a cannabis user for over 30 years and also have a medical cannabis proscription , I have always said it's no gateway drug it's helps in so many ways, but still can't wait until it is legal in all forms,, the government is stupid not to

[@lyndonk820]

It’s only a gateway in the sense that it brings people into the blackmarket and that not everything illegal is bad for you if it was legal then there would be no gateway aspect at all

[@shawsie5780]

I’ve been a user for 20yrs and it helps in ways but it’s not perfect, I’ve currently been on a carnivore diet for 2months now and it’s changed my life, I’ve been a plumber for 24yrs and I’ve had pain and inflammation throughout my whole body, was treating with weed but once I changed my diet the pain left, inflammation left, my energy levels are consistent, muscle tone has returned, my mental clarity has been amazing, anxiety and depression has tapered off and I’ve dropped 12kgs. Why treat something when you can fix it with your diet

[@odyseeone]

The truth is often inverted by the immoral controllers. Weed isn't a gateway onto harder drugs, it's literally a gateway OFF harder drugs! BECAUSE it's the only psychologically addictive while NOT physically addictive drug of abuse. This means you don't get tortuous withdrawals from it. Weed personally enabled me to get off painkillers, tapering doses only does so much to reduce the torture of withdrawal. Getting high (From weed) was the catalyst for making withdrawal bearable and actually quitting. Immoral people will claim it's just replacing one bad habit with another.

[@IGNEUS1607]

@@lyndonk820 I don't think that's totally true. As a teenager, I know quite a few people (10+) who started smoking weed in about year 9, and by year 11 they had decided it wasn't strong enough and had started sourcing mushrooms and LSD. While I agree that it being illegal is a partially a draw for some users, I also think we fail to talk enough about recreational users getting addicted.

[@julietigermoon9572]

It should be made available , such a versatile plant , it has been researched for its medicinal effects in many trials overseas. It should be made affordable because currently it’s quite expensive . Australian growers need a fair go .

[@OzMadMan82]

Yet if i grow the plant to self medicate.. i get arrested!! Go figure!

[@WhatisAPaladin]

ive been hearing a myth for years that your allowed to grow 1-2 (cant remember) plants in SA for recreational use. probs wont tho haha

[@JasonBolitho1994]

no u dont. lies and more lies lmao. you only get arrested if its a significant amount lmao.

[@jamesdean0885]

Recently began using from my doctor and has been very helpful along side other treatments.

[@adamwaz5615]

When will they realize that there is no difference between medical and recreational when it comes to cannabis 🤦

[@greenthumb774]

All the STATES IN AUSTRALIA should have personal use LAWS like the ACT let us us grow a few plants at home for personal use why only the act is aloud this , because it's a politician state and they are two faced .. the average person always gets passed on .

[@justinr9784]

I thank the green gods that I can just go down to the chemist and get high grade, decent and regulated buds. Compared to the way I used to do it, getting into cars with strangers, dodgy grow houses etc... and it was just garbage and pobably full of chemicals.

[@Smokejumper92]

It's fantastic to have seen the industry grow over the past 6-7 years and to have seen the benefits of legalisation in other countries is very promising, lets hope the polies accept whats coming.

[@jimijackson]

We need to legalise it already. Enough of ths theatrics. We can catch up to the developed countries like canada in a day, our politicians just have to get moving.

[@wingnut6472]

It's pretty sad we live in the dark ages in Oz.

[@JasonBolitho1994]

if you think aus is behind then you live under a rock lol. we are so far ahead compared to so many countries in so many things.

[@demo_sphere]

This has been talked about forever now. Australia should just follow in the footsteps of places like Canada and just just legalize it already.

[@michaelyates4909]

Its so pricey to buy it's madness

[@kellygarsed2561]

That's the big problem the cost?? I know people who just couldn't afford it went bak to there dealers!!

[@slugnaholowaa7406]

Best medicinal plant. This is what I use to treat my alcoholism.

[@hongkongfueynz3071]

I've just started doing this too, a few drags to take the edge off the day, and instead I don't drive straight to the bottle store

[@GGitsthePope]

I've just had my nurse consult and will meet with a GP this week to discuss how oil can help me. I've had a back injury that's been plaguing me with chronic pain. I've spent $1000s on Physio, Osteo, Tramadol, Codeine. I'm 33 with a second kid on the way. I can't do this without pain relief. I'm really hoping the medical cannabis oil helps me. I have my whole life to live, I don't want to be a burden to my family, friends and colleagues.

[@andrewlangton6570]

Try radio frequency if you haven’t already I’ve had three fusions it the only thing that helps no cure but helps good luck

[@lucyloose2841]

The bureaucracy surrounding legal cannabis farms not just in Australia but the world is an absolute joke

[@DaVe-iSnOtHoMe.MaN.LemmingsWeB]

Such a crime against humanity. The government's of the world . Would rather have their taxpayers be over prescribed unneeded synthetic CORPORATE PILLS. THAN HELP PEOPLE. CANADA made full on recreational weed legal and medical has been legal since 2010

[@eamonglavin2532]

Got to sort out the legal landscape aswell, need to sort out drug tests that test for impairment rather than presence otherwise, fifo, rail workers etc. Are unable to use it and people who can are risking their licence every time they go driving.

[@LegendLength]

And i'm sure a lot of those workers do use it and have that constant background fear of being fired. Can't wait till legalization.

[@fletcherstein-smith635]

The driving Lawes need to be updated for all those patients that are not intoxicated and or impaired it should be tested differently truly unfair

[@miyui9269]

"if it gets legalized, everyone would just plant it. where's the profit in that?" - governments, dealers and mafias

[@watchthislekkertje]

Amazing to see cannabis becoming more accepted ❤ from Canada

[@Krustyclown5791]

Our medical cannabis is weak. I now drink because I'm trying to get a break from pain. I'm not a drinker but 130 on useless cannabis that doesn't work. Thanks for hurting cancer patients.

[@matthewcullen1298]

I'm sorry you're so unwell Mate. I feel for you. I use Narooma flower for chronic pain. I have a bad back, wrists,knees ext, along with arthritis. I take codeine during the day and have a small amount of cannabis at night. People don't understand what it's like to live in pain 24/7 or that different things work or don't work for different people and treatment often has to be tailored to the individual. I'm lucky to have a very good doctor. Hope you find some relief Mate. I empathize with you. It really sux not being able to relax and sleep

[@RypienGT]

Our medical cannabis comes in all levels. If you find THC levels of 25 plus, or hash, or strong oils are not enough for you then perhaps it's not the medicine for you.

[@Krustyclown5791]

@@RypienGT but Thailands cannabis is fine. I had 19% in Thailand and I was great. They worry more about ppl being high than actually helping the ppl.

[@Krustyclown5791]

@@matthewcullen1298 thanks buddy. I'm just struggling because they worry more about if ppl being high than helping sick ppl.

[@xNatheeeGamer]

@@matthewcullen1298 As a support worker that supports someone exactly like you (heavily broken back, extreme chronic pain, lives on oxy/valium/tapentadol etc) - I feel for you man. I recently suggested cannabis to him and although it didn't "fix" him, he says it helps tremendously - moreso than the actual pharmaceuticals at times. Take care man, I somewhat understand how bad chronic pain is.... not good at all.

[@thebiz5942]

I get nausea due to stress and sometimes food and anxiety. Medical cannabis is most definitely a life changer and most definitely works wonders. The next step is putting on the PBS so ppl can save money.

[@reverse_thursday]

Getting a prescription for medical cannabis literally changed my life

[@griffsrearmountturbothemod1623]

Decriminalise it and let everyone heal themselves if they want ❤

[@davidjohnstone7724]

I hate how medical conditions are quantified as an economic unit. Who cares about a person's productivity when it comes to health.

[@miatfitz]

Horrendously expensive stuff. Average price is over $300 a month not including doctors appointment.

[@ANJH1106]

This is great we need more folks who really work within living soil clean medicine!

[@timan2039]

The cost of licensing is a huge problem on top of the regulations at least in Colorado USA.

[@vanillagorillaog]

BUT WHY?

[@Bathrezz1]

Her - i need cannibis for my chronic back pain Dispensary - No problem love, try this bottle, its $200 Her - thats so expensive, why can't I buy seeds and grow my own for a tiny fraction of the cost Dispensary - NO THATS ILLEGAL YOU GO TO JAIL

[@eyeswideopen7777]

Ppl will find a way to grow it

[@FishiestFillet]

In half of Australia, growing your own plants is legal

[@user-ub2mu6iz5y]

Really? @@FishiestFillet

[@enterpassword3313]

​@@FishiestFilletlol no its not

[@zes793]

​@@FishiestFilletNot true. It's decriminalized in the ACT, illegal everywhere else. It's not legal to grow your own plants anywhere in Aus.

[@justmemimi7338]

Thank you, Lamdline and ABC. This is an exciting burgeoning agricultural specialty in the making, by the sounds of it, with innumerable benefits. Wishing the growers the best of luck.

[@sno4439]

The use rate hasn't changed it's just they have decriminalised it for some privileged people

[@warmage247]

Privileged? Get off your ass and pay the initial $150 consultation fee and get a prescription. It's literally that easy.

[@JasonBolitho1994]

explain why its a privilage. because its not its a plant.

[@dorianvisser1922]

Like Felicity I have a chronic pain condition caused by an autoimmune disease (Ankylosing Spondylitis) I won’t say it (CBD/THC) has been life changing for me but it has helped improve my quality of life (through pain reduction and better sleep) I hope that these products make it on PBS soon so people that aren’t in the financial position to afford these products have access to them

[@carney26]

Both my doctors GP and pain specialist both offered me legal cannabis due to my chronic back and knee injuries without even aking about it. Currently DVA pays for my Radiofrequency ablation procedures yearly. When it gets less effective I may start go this route but the biggest downside is not to be able to drive for 24 hours when using it.

[@movieklump]

Four young men who drink start a fight, four young men who smoke weed start a band.

[@anfr6634]

It's life changing product and environmentally friend option - Have been saying for 30 years HEMP farming is the way to go and now medical cannabis is changing the game... nobody talks about the long term damage and issues many opioid and other pharmaceutical medications cause to the body, organs and mental health - not to mention - big pharma don't want you to get better, it generates $$$$ off keeping people dependent.

[@dannyferligoj9877]

They sell these in tobacco shops in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne 😢

[@paulcox9366]

Haven't the USA done all these studies already?

[@bigskrewface1293]

But there talking about Australia it’s only just recently been made legal for medical patients in recent years

[@prescriptionpete866]

I have tga approval, however the cost of the medicine became prohibitive for me unfortunately. I am hoping locally sourced companies will help solve that problem.

[@The_Stoic_Philosopher68]

Legalise it now!

[@fergusmcilveen2373]

How do I get my hands on the bag at the end

[@twinsunsurvivor8564]

freedom !!!!! Legalize Make Australia the lucky country once again

[@bradlindsay9082]

Sooooooooo far behind the rest of the world, God forbid we all get the munchies and eat all the maccas

[@billizuber412]

yep I live up here about 15 minuets from Alstonville, and let me tell you the Soil is crazy for cannabis growth up here!!!

[@Trustytrevor]

Keep up the good work!

[@alienatedslayer]

Had back pain and I started getting medical weed 3 weeks ago. First time I smoked it my back pain was gone. That night I slept like a log. Love the stuff. Sleeping like a baby now

[@LittleWeekendWarriors]

I wish the upcoming referendum was about legalising weed.

[@michaelprice3040]

When you make it legal you take the money away from the gangs that sell drugs, gangs also use whatever chemicals they want or lace the product with other drugs to achieve different effects making the weed an unknown bunch of chemicals.

[@gabin682000]

it's natures pain relief, i would like to know if you test possitive with a drug driving test 4 days after you have a joint, how would they know if you are under the influence ? they can't prove it as there are no tests. surprised the lawyers have not used this when defending clients ?

[@mssannysanderson9203]

Legalise Cannabis in Australia Now! Its crazy a person can wipe themselves out on alcohol (legally)but cant smoke a little weed without being a 'criminal'. Lets all move on already. David Shoebridge of Greens is pushing but needs support.

[@hopebear06]

First time I've slept well since I can remember. Absolute God send.

[@sarcasmo57]

Times are changing.

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Not really, people just figured out how to leverage the greed of politicians to enable a closed industry.

[@richyglitched]

Deakin Uni and Medigrowth have been doing the same in Melbourne since 2016 also.. Seem far more ahead in research and products...

[@tonylette974]

There’d be more if it was cheaper $280 a month is ridiculous outlay for medication

[@kerrumz1]

At least that number isnt far off the black market depending on how much you get.

[@hinteregions]

No one I know is buying the government's very low quality, very high cost, not especially medical weed.

[@randomacc1029384756]

let people grow their own, regulate commercial sale, stop allowing random dodgy middleman businesses (you know the ones, they charge $200 for a "doctor consultation") to take the bulk of the profits - very simple