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

22 Maoists, including eight females, surrender in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, July 11: In a significant development in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district, 22 Maoists laid down their arms on...

BJP looting land, forest, water: Rahul Gandhi at ‘save Constitution’ rally in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, July 11: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday targeted the BJP, alleging that the ruling party has...

Centre plans Rs 1,345 crore subsidy scheme to boost production of Rare Earth magnets

New Delhi, July 11: The Indian government has drawn up a scheme to offer subsidies to the tune...

We missed no targets in Pak, not even a glass pane broken in India: NSA Doval on Op Sindoor

New Delhi, July 11: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday addressed the convocation ceremony at IIT...