An Open Letter to PM Tony Abbott

Medical cannabis (marijuana) in Australia is an idea whose time has come. It's a frustratingly complex issue, though, since both the Commonwealth and State governments have jurisdiction.    As you know, access (under medical supervision) to quality-controlled cannabis is legal in many countries worldwide, as well as a majority of US states. But Australia remains stuck in the last century.    Almost every day we hear from sufferers (usually age 50+) of cancer, glaucoma, pain and other chronic ailments -- sufferers who have become aware of cannabis health benefits, envy its legal availability overseas, and ask us why they can't access it here without fear of fine and/or imprisonment. They're a steadily growing demographic, and we can't give them an answer.    Licensing and taxing medical cannabis suppliers and users could also provide a substantial revenue stream to governments -- as the US Government happily discovered after relegalizing alcohol in 1933. In addition, growers in rural and even urban electorates could be major beneficiaries.    Medical cannabis users don't even have to get "high". The most healthful way to ingest cannabis -- with no psychoactive effects -- appears to be simply juicing cannabis leaves.    And, at last, Australian government advisory bodies and mass media are advocating medical cannabis legalization. We've sent this message to our Federal and State MPs, as well. This is an idea whose time has come. We ask your help. We await your positive response.    

The following story prompted us to start this petition: Let me trial medical cannabis, says dying man