Back in 2016, people from Hobart, Tasmania to the beautiful Gold Coast celebrated the legalization of medical-grade marijuana in Australia. For many members of the cannabis community, this was definitely a day to rejoice and move forward fair. Now, thousands of Australians suffering from debilitating illnesses like AIDS/HIV or undergoing cancer treatment can have access to the little green herb (with some regulations still set in place). Even as we speak, the country is now conducting the first clinical trial of marijuana-accompaniment therapy for victims of an aggressive brain cancer (glioblastoma). Despite the prosperity of the booming industry, however, some problems have ultimately surfaced. Recent news reports indicate that Australians have more problems obtaining medical cannabis than we thought. Let’s take a look at the complications with the little plant in the Land Down Under.
Hang on a Tick!
Despite the nationwide legalization of the drug, the process of obtaining medical marijuana is a long, boring, administrative ordeal that has confused and frustrated many Australians. Recently, officials opened an online application to help shorten the procedure, but the issue still remains clear: medical marijuana is bloody hard to get.
Recently, news sources indicated that even the experts in charge are having a difficult time explaining the situation in Australia. During a panel hosted at the University of Sydney (Monday, October 28, 2018), representatives of the Australian government gathered with academics and marijuana-patient spokespeople to address the complexities of the medical cannabis industry and consider all perspectives on the matter. In the end, though, all officials reached the same conclusion: a pathway to retrieve medical cannabis is the needlessly complicated.
Have a Crack
Overall, the stories varied from neutral to overwhelmingly negative. John Skerritt (deputy secretary for health products regulation at the Australia Department of health) explained these 48-hour portals are streamlined procedures for patients. Former nurse and current patient advocate Lucy Haslam explained how she received incessant waves of phone calls from people experiencing technical difficulties. Likewise, some patients explained that they were forced to obtain black-market cannabis, while one person did confirm the process was relatively smooth (in stark contrast).
In total, seven people are approved for medical marijuana per day, but access is still restricted.
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
