The unauthorised use of cannabis as a medicine in Australia is widespread, suggesting significant demand, but this use is neither supervised nor regulated and many patients in need struggle to find a suitable source. People with cancer have gone to jail for growing marijuana for their own use.

In failing to address this need Australia is lagging behind a number of countries which have decriminalised cannabis for medical purposes, including the Netherlands, Israel, Canada and Spain. In the US 20 states have done likewise. Public support in Australia for the medical use of cannabis is high; a survey conducted by the Commonwealth Department of Health found 69 per cent of the public supported the use of medical cannabis and 75 per cent supported more research into the medical potential of the drug.

There is, of course, a case to be made against legalisation, even if only for medical use. There is some evidence of a link between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders, there is the possibility of addiction and dependence, and there are concerns about public and workplace safety. Interestingly, traffic fatalities have decreased slightly in those American states with medical cannabis programs. Those who are concerned about drug diversion and increasing the availability of a recreational drug argue that access to synthetic cannabinoid drugs makes legalising cannabis for medical reasons unnecessary.

The potential drawbacks can be minimised or overcome by measures including the close medical supervision of patients, the creation of appropriate dispensaries and the introduction of laws, policies and penalties that support patients but minimise public risks.

While for many in Australia the medical use of cannabis is a bridge too far, in the US both Colorado and Washington have recently legalised its recreational use. In the first month of sales in January, Colorado collected a total of $US3.5 million in taxes from sales for medical and recreational uses. The money is earmarked for youth prevention services, substance abuse treatment and public health.