Victorian doctors want approval to use marijuana for MS sufferers
If successful it would be the first time permission has been given for the drug's legal use in prescription medicine in Australia.
The push to trial a liquid marijuana-based mouth spray to ease the symptoms and pain of MS sufferers is being led by a doctor from the Royal Melbourne Hospital's neurology department.
The doctor is expected to lodge a formal request with the hospital's ethics committee when it next meets.
He wants to be able to prescribe Sativex, a drug developed in the UK by GW Pharmaceuticals, a company established specifically to develop cannabis-based prescription medicines.
According to the company's website there is no evidence that patients obtain a high such as those experienced by marijuana smokers.
Rally photos: MS patient John Wilson facing 15 years for 17 plants
Rally at the Somerset City courthouse for John Wilson 12/14/09
Family and supporters of John Wilson demonstrated today in front of the Somerset County Courthouse as jury selection began in his trial.
About 50 volunteers held signs for over 5 hours and passing cars honked their support.
Without healthcare 36-year-old Wilson was using marijuana to help treat Multiple Sclerosis. John has also been enduring an overzealous prosecution on the part of the State Attorney General. He faces first-degree felony charges of ‘Operating a Drug Manufacturing Facility’ after a National Guard Helicopter spotted 17 cannabis plants growing outside his home.
Two state Senators have already appealed for a pardon in a case that has generated national outrage and national media attention. John has been barred by the trial judge from telling the jury that he has MS.
