Victoria and Queensland join Marijuana Trials

The states will join with New South Wales in three separate trials to test for the benefits of medicinal marijuana with a total cost of $9 million to commence in mid-2016.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the initiative after a pre-COAG meeting in Canberra last week.

Children with drug-resistant epilepsy are the main focus of the first trial, with both premiers sharing personal stories of families suffering from the disease who are now hopeful this new potential treatment option will bring respite.

Ms Palaszczuk acknowledged the rising public interest in the controversial treatment, and said her government had decided to join in the trials as a response to this.

“I didn't want Queensland standing on the sidelines. I wanted us to be an active participant, because I know many Queensland families see real value in this form of treatment.”

“By broadening the trial to beyond New South Wales, we will get an even better picture of what benefits this treatment can provide, and what conditions respond favourably and unfavourably.”

Other Australian states have decided to await the results of the trials which are due within 2-5 years before taking any further action.