The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) Council has formally endorsed a resolution to support the recommendations of a NSW upper house standing committee and a petition to decriminalise the medical use of cannabis for terminally ill patients.
Last month, the NSWNMA was approached by retired nurse Lucy Haslam, seeking support for a petition she had launched on behalf of her 24 year old son Daniel Haslam, who suffers from terminal bowel cancer. Mr Haslam and his family have been campaigning for the decriminalisation of medicinal cannabis, which Mr Haslam uses to assist with the side effects of chemotherapy treatment.
Medicinal cannabis is used to alleviate a range of symptoms, such as nausea, for various illnesses including Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease and other chronic pain or post traumatic stress disorders. It is legal and regulated throughout the United States, Canada and several European countries.
General Secretary of the NSWNMA, Brett Holmes, said the Council had agreed to the resolutions after a thorough review of five recommendations released by the General Purpose Standing Committee No.4 in May 2013, a Bill proposed by Greens MP John Kaye, and international research into medicinal cannabis.
“At our meeting on 3 June, the NSWNMA Council endorsed a resolution to support the implementation of the standing committee’s recommendations and also to support the Haslam family’s petition to decriminalise the medical use of cannabis,” Mr Holmes said.
“Our members recognise the importance of exploring improved options for effective pain management, particularly for those patients who suffer from constant chronic pain.
“We are aware of a proposed Private Member’s Bill being drafted by the Member for Tamworth and will await the NSW government’s consideration of the bill.”
Download this media release: Nurses and Midwives back petition regarding medical cannabis use
Support the Haslam family to decriminalise the medical use of cannabis by signing their petition.
Read the five recommendations released by the General Purpose Standing Committee No.4 in May 2013
