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Member for Barker Tony Pasin has backed new legislation that aims to give sufferers of chronic conditions access to marijuana that has been legally grown. And Mr Pasin has suggested that the Barker electorate could be the perfect place to grow the drug for medicinal use in future. The new legislation, passed late last month, was introduced in the form of amendments to the Narcotic Drugs Act. According to the federal government, the changes will provide a pathway to legally-grown cannabis for the manufacture of medicinal products in Australia. Mr Pasin spoke in support of the bill prior to it being adopted, and hinted at a potential future in legal cannabis cropping in the Barker electorate. “I cannot think of a better place for growing medicinal cannabis than in my electorate, be it in the Riverland in the north or the irrigated areas of the South East, but that of course will be a matter for industry and government in full consultation,” he said. Mr Pasin emphasised the aim was not to legalise the use of cannabis in Australia. “Rather, it is a bill which delivers a strong, sustainable and safe supply of medicinal cannabis for the use of some in our society most in need when it comes to pain relief,” he said. “There is currently growing concern for the welfare of those with terminal diseases and multiple sclerosis and of children with intractable forms of epilepsy. “It is widely acknowledged that, due to supply issues, these individuals may be being unfairly denied access to effective pain relief. “There is an undeniable consensus that persons suffering from such conditions should have ready access to affordable medicinal cannabis products that their doctor can prescribe. “This bill provides better outcomes for our health system and ultimately better outcomes for our citizens.” According to federal Health Minister Sussan Ley, “this (access) is the missing piece in a patient’s treatment journey and will now see seamless access to locally-produced medicinal cannabis products from farm to pharmacy”. EDIT: This article was formerly published under the headline 'Grow drugs here’: Pasin. The Herald acknowledges that this could be misleading and reiterates that Member for Barker Tony Pasin is supportive of locally grown medicinal marijuana crops. The Herald apologises to Mr Pasin for any inconvenience caused.

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Pasin supports medicinal marijuana