Australia: Medical cannabis plantations are now legal

Cannabis producers can now apply for a license to legally grow cannabis in Australia. The cannabis produced will be used solely for medical purposes.

The Narcotic Drugs Amendment Act of 2016, which took effect yesterday, Sunday, allows any entrepreneur to apply for a license to grow cannabis, process cannabis into products for medical use, or conduct research related to the plant.

Health Minister Sussan Ley said that these changes to the law would give patients and doctors access to legal and safe sources of medical cannabis.

«Until now, it has been difficult for patients to access medical cannabis products from overseas sources,» added Sussan Ley.

«These new laws are changing this situation by making cannabis products available that were not previously available for import, and that come from domestic sources.».

She emphasized that these changes did not decriminalize recreational cannabis use.

People who wish to apply will be required to pass a security screening and meet strict requirements, particularly regarding their criminal history. Each state or territory will decide for itself who is eligible for medical cannabis and under what circumstances the use of medical cannabis will be permitted.