FEDERAL APPROVAL GIVEN TO LOGAN FAMILY LANAI AND LINDSAY CARTER AFTER SEVEN MONTH WAIT
We are so relieved to get this approval for Lindsay to be treated under the same treatment plan that was recommended by his US doctors but there are still a few more steps to go. We need state approval before the TGA will grant the pharmacist an import licence as well as state approval for Lanai and the pharmacist to supply the cannabis to Lindsay but currently regulation 270A prohibits any approvals to be given for the use of s9 cannabis in Queensland.
An amendment to Regulation 270A has implications for the whole of Queensland and can be amended by the Premier and Cabinet without the need to go to Parliament. Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said “in light of the decision by the TGA, I am seeking advice as to the legal ramifications of the approval of a special access scheme application to medicinal cannabis products.”
Well done Lanai for your advocacy, hard work and determination and a huge thank you to reporter Andrea MacLeoad and Albert and Logan News who have followed Lindsay's story from the beginning and raised the awareness of the medical cannabis issue in the community.
The Story from the Albert and Logan News
AFTER years of petitioning one Logan family has finally been given Federal approval to import medications that could save their son’s life.
But now, says Lanai Carter, it’s up to the State Justice department to provide an exemption for medical purposes so they can use the medications in Queensland.
Ms Carter said because the medications contained THC they required an exemption from the Attorney General before they could dispense through a pharmacist to their son Lindsay.
Ms Carter, whose son Lindsay has a complex neurological condition, said the family had been forced to travel to the United States to access treatments for Linsday because laws in Australia did not allow for treatment with similar botanical medical cannabis products.
Ms Carter said the family had been given an exemption by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) under the Special Access Scheme Category B to import Lindsay’s medications which dramatically reduced the severity of his illness.
“There are patients who require different treatment options including THC and THCA and other cannabinoids to help manage various medical conditions, so this (TGA approval) means patients have the ability to potentially receive imported medical cannabis extracts from overseas .. until there is a regulated supply of tested medical cannabis products in Queensland,” she said.
Ms Carter said while the TGA approval was a very positive step for Linsday’s treatment, the “sooner we move to a model with regulated local supply the better it will be for patients.”
“There is some outstanding research on this plant globally, but so much more can be learned about this plant for its health and preventative health benefits.”
Legal advice on the decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to grant special access for a Logan family to import medicinal cannabis products is being sought by the Queensland Government.
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said “in light of the decision by the TGA, I am seeking advice as to the legal ramifications of the approval of a special access scheme application to medicinal cannabis products.”
A TGA spokesman said under the special access scheme cannabis based medications could be imported but the use of the medications was subject to state and territory legislation, “such as drugs and poisons legislation.”
“TGA approval and the Department of Health permission does not override that legislation,” the spokesman said.
Logan mother Lanai Carter said a request to the Attorney General Yvette D’Ath for the necessary exemptions to be made was sent in March this year but had gone unanswered.
Marked urgent, she said the request outlined the Carter’s need for the exemption to be provided to support the TGA approval, which the family hoped would be successful.
November 4, 2015 12:10am Andrea MacleodAlbert & Logan News
http://www.couriermail.com.au/…/story-fni9r0nh-1227592079236