I watched "Insight" on SBS the other night and
heard accounts of the difference that cannabis oil
as a medical treatment made to the lives of
epilepsy sufferers, cancer patients, and other
life-threatening illnesses. I heard how Medical
Marijuana has been shown to successfully reduce pain
in chronic illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis and
Parkinsons and reduce the severity of chemotherapy -
related symptoms such as vomiting and nausea.

I could not help but wonder why cannabis is not legalised
for medical purposes if it provides so much relief to so
many sufferers.

I would appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

Dear Foxy,

The reason is historical.

At the time it was discovered that hemp makes stronger ropes, which were especially needed for sailing, and requires much less water to grow, so that alarmed cotton-growers who used their influence on the American government to ban hemp so it doesn't ruin their business.

As we in Australia depend on the Americans for security, we cannot afford to make them angry at us, so we ban it as well.

Saw this a while back on Foreign Correspondent.

http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/content/2014/s4027079.htm

"Very soon in America marijuana will be slickly branded and sold by men in suits - or at least the multi-million dollar companies they’re setting up to cash in on the state-by-state legalization of dope.

It’s happening in states that have long embraced a system enabling the dispensing of medical marijuana. Colorado’s gone legal. Next month Washington State will become the second state to fully legalise marijuana.

Just like alcohol, if you’re over 21 you’ll be able to buy it.

In anticipation of the new laws, big businesses are jockeying for the jump in this booming market. New products and gadgets are being developed and refined. They’re polishing marketing and sales strategies and defining their brands, much like cigarettes, for retail release.

A report commissioned for the White House says the medical and illicit cannabis industry is worth $40B per year. Cannabis Inc. is busily convincing state legislatures and the federal Government as well that $40B is better off out of the black market and in the sight of the taxman.

America’s new-wave of pot entrepreneurs couldn’t be more different to those of the past. They’ve ditched the hippie clothes, rasta plaits and ponytails for thousand-dollar suits, business plans and MBAs."

Once the men in suits get hold of the product, I reckon it'll be legalised quick smart.

Slightly off topic (as Loud Goose would say:) but relevant to the subject.

Dear Yuyutsu,

Thank You for your comments.
I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens
in Australia if America leads the way.
The Prime Minister seems to be in favour of
legalisation of medical cannabis:

http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/566672/20140918/medical-cannabis-marijuana-australia-tony-abbott.htm

Dear Poirot,

Thank You for the information.
The TV program had a big impact on me and I do hope
that medical cannabis will be legalised in this country.
At least in Victoria the Labor Party is promising that
it will be if they get elected in November.

You a Goose?
No.
I'd say you're more of a Swan. ;-)

I do not believe that medical specialists would deny us anything of benefit. If anyone has ever been exposed to or read about scientific research they would be left in no doubt whatsoever that such is the drive (and competition) that they are eminently trustworthy in chasing to the ground any possibility of worth.

I come at this from another direction: where the State ceases to be our servant and presumes to control us at the behest of small and powerful lobby groups, it is time to toss out that menage of pollies and start afresh. Laws need to be based on evidence and continually reviewed.

I can't see why anyone 60+ and doubtless suffering from the rigors of old age shouldn't be allowed (there we go again, government permitting us to do things!) to grow a supply sufficient for their own use.

If cannabis had similar side effects to the medications commonly prescribed for the elderly I could understand why 'authorities' would be concerned. That does not seem to be the case, except where young brains are concerned.

We have a family member with rapid onset rheumatic arthritis. I am astounded to be advised how the condition affects every part of his body and shocked to see a man who was so athletic and active now struggling physically and limiting his activities through necessity. As for the pain, take Panadol they say. He is an avid gardener and should be growing his own help, especially since low hallucinogenic (should that matter at his stage of life?) plant cultivars are available.

Rheumatoid arthritis, not as 'rheumatic'.