The government, the AMA, the police force and the the pharmaceutical companies have endeavored to create an oligopoly at the expense of public health.
They (the governing body) are so fearful of the impact that cannabis will have on the public, but why?

So let's look at the facts;
Never, in the history of illegal, unregulated cannabis use has there ever been a related death, not one. And that's dealing with a bunch of unsavory criminals.
So on a safety aspect it doesn't deserve to be associated with dangerous drugs, such as opiates.
Cannabis does not cause schizophrenia, that's if you believe these top academics (and I do).
Since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the mid 90's, cannabis needs to be reevaluated and reeducated for it's medicinal value and it's safety.



The cost to the tax payers, if cannabis is or isn't subsidised by government, will be huge. Without subsidy  the whole scheme is a waste.
With all the bureaucratic red tape, unnecessary over the top security, government wages, logistics , etc.
We will not be competitive in the export market and in reality, we are and will continue to be behind the eight ball.
Trials aren't happening quick enough, lots of talk, but little action.
Most patients will not be able to afford cannabis medicine (though prices have yet to be discussed). lets discuss prices?

So now we have the Labor party to push for decriminalisation. This should have been done years ago, like 25 years ago.
Decriminalisation is fine, but it's not just either. There is no crime or threat, just lies to quote Lucy.
So why should there be a fine involved? People don't get fined for drinking alcohol or making home brew.
The difference is cannabis is far safer than alcohol, read report by UK health dept

NSW Labor push for medicinal cannabis

The NSW opposition will push to decriminalise medicinal cannabis for people with conditions including cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis.

The bill, which Labor hopes to introduce into parliament this week, would allow medically certified sufferers and their carers to carry small amounts of cannabis up to 15 grams.

Labor leader Luke Foley says it would mean people with serious or terminal conditions could ease their pain without being treated like criminals.

"This is about restoring dignity to those people seeking temporary relief from the pain and suffering of their affliction," he said on Tuesday.

"Seeking respite from relentless and unwavering illness should not be a criminal offence. It should be met with sympathy and support."

People eligible for medicinal cannabis would need certification from NSW Health and photo ID to carry the drug.

Labor said its legislation was based on a 2013 NSW parliamentary inquiry which recommended that people with AIDS and the terminally ill be able to carry and use up to 15g of dry cannabis.

The O'Farrell government knocked back the proposal, saying the potency and safety of products could not be guaranteed.

Conditions included in Labor's medical cannabis bill:

* HIV

* Motor neurone disease

* Multiple sclerosis

* Stiff person syndrome (rare neurological disorder)

* Cancer-associated pain

* Neuropathic pain

* Chemotherapy patients with severe, treatment-resistant nausea and vomiting

reference: Georgie Moore Australian Associated Press