Parliament to debate medicinal cannabis

Newstalk ZB

New Zealand - Parliament is to debate whether medicinal cannabis should be introduced as a treatment option for people with serious illnesses.

The concept forms the basis of Green MP Metiria Turei's private member's bill which has been pulled from the ballot.

Ms Turei says the bill will allow registered medical practitioners to prescribe cannabis for specific serious conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, glaucoma and those suffering conditions associated with chemotherapy.

She says at present, medicinal cannabis is only available to some patients.

Medicinal cannabis is available in a number of countries - including Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and nine states of the US.