PotShot

Conservatives debate over marijuana trials
Hamish Townsend | Townsville Bulletin | 11sep06

The normally conservative Country Women's Association will lobby governments to begin trials in the medicinal use of marijuana.

In a decision that may send ripples of concern through conservative parties, the CWA national executive voted in Darwin 11 days ago to lobby for cannabis to be tested as a treatment for chronic pain.

Incoming CWA president Leslie Young, a member of the Tasmanian branch from where the motion is understood to have originated, said her members wanted "all the options" in their healthcare.

"Cannabis is another option for people who are terminally and chronically ill," Ms Young said. "We'd just like them to do the trials and find out."

Ms Young, a trained nurse who runs a vegetable and livestock farm with her husband and 28-year-old son at East Sassafras near Devonport, does not believe the move puts the CWA in conflict with its traditionally conservative members.

"We don't look at those things; we're just concerned with the issues important to our members. I'm not aware of other groups pushing this," she said. "Our members have taken the position that anything that helps relieve pain and chronic illness should be made available."

While Queensland Nationals president Bruce McIvor said his party was against the use of marijuana in any form for any purpose, Queensland Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce was more willing to consider the option.

"If it was virtually anyone else I'd say 'no way', but I've always respected them for having their heads screwed on," Senator Joyce said. "So if they came out and said something, you'd have to have a look at it."

The Australian Medical Association was cautiously supportive of the CWA's position, with spokeswoman Choong-Siew Yong saying "the AMA don't have an official position on this, but I think most doctors would be OK with further research".

The CWA has long had a reputation as a conservative community organisation, not known for taking on national political causes. While Ms Young denied the CWA was becoming radicalised, she said political advocacy was important.

"The CWA was originally set up to look after the issues of its members, but we've never really blown our trumpet," she said.

"The knitting and cooking are still important because of the companionship and skills that are passed down, but there's a mighty lot of youngies in it. Queensland has a large younger set."

Spokespeople for federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health Christopher Pyne and Opposition health spokeswoman Julia Gillard did not return calls.