Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that the Federal Government recognises botanical cannabis as medicine but took 7 months to give Lindsay Carter's Queensland doctor SAS approval to treat him with botanical cannabis as “recommended” by his US doctors. Access is costly and complex with State approval, import and export permits also required.

Nabiximols (botanical cannabis alcohol based extract) was recently included in the Queensland Health Regulations. This doesn't go far enough. Patients need local, lawful and affordable access to all forms and ratios of botanical cannabis upon “recommendation” of their own doctor in a manner tailored to meet their individual health needs and circumstances.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the Queensland Government to adopt the Medical Cannabis Advisory Group's proposal that is based on law and the legal and human rights of the patient by immediately:

1. Amending Health Regulation 270A to read “The Chief Executive Officer may grant approval to a person to cultivate, produce, possess, supply, recommend or prescribe, dispense and obtain botanical cannabis for medical, scientific and human therapeutic use”.
2. Introducing a state-wide medical cannabis program with clear guidelines and approvals for doctors, nurses, patient/carer home growers and cooperatives.
3. Implementing health and safety guidelines for State licenced cultivators, producers and dispensaries.
4. Appointment of patient advocates, adequate training and support services.
5. Allocating funding for imports and access to testing in the interim.
6. Any other measures to ensure the health, safety, well-being and human rights of all patients are met.