[420 Girl]

The NSW Government’s plans to begin a therapeutic cannabis trial for people with HIV/AIDS, cancer or multiple sclerosis are taking longer than expected but, because of the complexities and numerous stakeholders, cannot be rushed, a spokeswoman for Health Minister Reba Meagher said last week.

Negotiations with the Rudd Government aren’t expected to begin for many more months, as the NSW Health and Attorney-General’s Departments continue work in preparation.

“The Government is committed to this important trial, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” a spokeswoman for Meagher said.

Commonwealth support is needed to allow the cannabis-based drug Sativax to be imported. The drug, which can be a tablet or oral spray, does not contain the psychotropic THC component that creates the euphoric effect from illegal supplies.

A spokesman for Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said she would consider the proposal after Meagher officially asks for assistance in obtaining Sativax.

Positive Life CEO Rob Lake welcomed the Iemma Government’s decision, saying HIV-positive people have faced criminal prosecution for using cannabis to combat AIDS-related wasting and manage pain since the epidemic began.

“This could be a great thing for people with HIV. There’s been a big campaign for this, particularly in San Francisco. But we still need to see how this will be implemented, what it will cost, and whether the drug will still be effective for increasing appetite and pain management without the THC component,” Lake said.

“This could also help with pain management research. Currently the drugs people take can have a serious impact on their liver.”

Having the drug as an oral spray would be welcome relief from the many pills people with HIV need to take daily.

Support for the trial has also come from the Australian Medical Association and the Cancer Council of NSW.Hunter/MNC Branch

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