Friday, July 11, 2025
spot_img

New Zealand parliament passes medicinal marijuana bill

Date:

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img
Wellington, Dec 11 (IANS) New Zealand’s parliament on Tuesday passed a bill that will allow the medicinal use of marijuana, making it possible for patients with chronic pain to acquire the drug with a prescription.

The Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill, which passed the third and final reading in parliament and will soon become a law, classifies cannabidiol (a chemical in marijuana) as a prescription medicine instead of a controlled drug, reports Efe news.

The bill also sets up a statutory defence to allow those in palliative care to take illicit marijuana with a legal defence.

“People nearing the end of their lives should not have to worry about being arrested or imprisoned for trying to manage their pain. So as a compassionate measure we are also creating a statutory defence for people eligible to receive palliation so that they can use illicit cannabis without fear of prosecution,” Health Minister David Clark said.

The vote allows medicinal marijuana manufacturers to produce and market their products both locally and abroad.

“Regulations, licensing rules, and quality standards will be set on expert advice within a year of the law coming into effect,” Clark said.

New Zealand is the second government in the region to approve the medicinal use of cannabis after the Australian state of Victoria permitted it in 2016.

While some research suggests marijuana can be used to treat chronic pain, there is still significant controversy over its side-effects and effectiveness.

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Djokovic one step closer to title

London, July 10: Novak Djokovic’s search for his personal Holy Grail – a 25th Grand Slam title and...

After routing Real Madrid, PSG eye Chelsea and historic quadruple

East Rutherford, July 10: Wearing their blue, red and white jerseys, Paris Saint-Germain supporters were surrounded by white...

Belinda Bencic storms into semis

London, July 9: Returning to the circuit after the birth of her child, Belinda Bencic continued with her...

Asia Cup in doubt after India, Lanka refuse to attend ACC meeting

Mumbai, July 10: The Asia Cup cricket tournament plunged into further doubt and chaos after India and Sri...