MS: Busting the Myths
February 22, 2018 | Uncategorised
The Government is considering a new amendment to the laws covering medicinal cannabis, which will change the way the drug is accessed in New Zealand.
The Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill will give a statutory defense for terminally ill people to possess and use cannabis, and it sets up a framework for NZ to develop its own domestic medicinal cannabis supply. It will also reclassify cannabidiol (CBD) and CBD products, so they will no longer be illegal.
However, it’s not without its flaws and the current bill under review does not include those with chronic conditions resulting in pain or spasticity.
The bill needs to be as robust as possible, so the New Zealand Drug Foundation is running a series of free workshops over the next few weeks, to make sure as many people as possible feel confident and well-informed enough to make a submission.
Making a submission on proposed changes to laws governing access to medicinal cannabis will help MPs come up with a better law. It will make a big difference if patients, carers, whānau, health professionals and advocates have a say.
The workshops will include an explanation of the bill, and what we see as its potential pitfalls. They’ll show you some other international working models and provide information on how to make a submission, including presenting to Select Committee, privacy issues and dealing with the media.
The deadline for submissions is 21 March. Workshops will be in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and online.
For further details and registration see:
Christchurch – Tuesday 27th February, 10:00am – 1:30pm
Christchurch Bridge Club, 21 Nova Place. In collaboration with MCANZ and the Canterbury West Coast Branch of the Public Health Association
Wellington – Thursday 1st March, 10:00am – 1:30pm
NZ Drug Foundation, Level 4, 265 Wakefield Street. In collaboration with MCANZ and Ora Toa Health Unit
West Auckland – Wednesday 14th March, 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Whanau Centre Te Whānau o Waipareira, Level 2, 6-8 Pioneer Street. In collaboration with MCANZ and Hāpai Te Hauora Māori Public Health
Central Auckland – Thursday 15th March, 10:00am – 1:30pm
Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road. In collaboration with MCANZ and Auckland CAYAD.
Online Q&A Session – Monday 12th March, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Via interactive webinar
Visit the Drug Foundation Website more information or to register.