Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Kia kaha, Helen Kelly

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  • chris, in reply to Sacha,

    Or calling a spade a spade

    “Northland’s family wins full public funding for GW Pharma spray bottles containing CBD, THC, Ethanol anhydrous, Propylene glycol, and Peppermint oil at a an annual taxpayer cost of $16,000.”

    Each 100 microlitre spray contains:

    2.7 mg delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 2.5 mg cannabidiol (CBD).
    Each ml contains:
    38-44 mg and 35-42 mg of two extracts (as soft extracts) from Cannabis sativa L., folium cum flore (Cannabis leaf and flower) corresponding to 27 mg delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 25 mg cannabidiol.
    Extraction solvent: Liquid carbon dioxide.
    Excipient(s) with known effect: each 100 microlitre spray also contains up to 0.04 g ethanol.

    Harking back to Russell’s original post

    Even when, as was the case in November when Pharmac’s Pharmacology Therapeutics Advisory Committee advised against extending the subsidy for Sativex, the advice is frankly misguided. The committee advised against the funding in part because of the risk of “diversion” of Sativex for recreational use. Sativex is an oral spray containing a 50-50 ratio of the two main cannabinoids, THC and CBD – and is thus a poor candidate for getting high. The idea that criminals might seek to misuse it when actual cannabis (which will get you high) is widely available is simply ludicrous. But that’s the nature of the environment we’re in.

    Given the over-inflated price to the user despite the subsidy, Pharmac’s Pharmacology Therapeutics Advisory Committee might consider whether criminals will start manufacturing it – given the comparative ease and cheapness of production against something like Methamphetamine – saving money for the country and those in need while offering a substantially greater profit margin than any other substance on the black market.

    Meanwhile New Zealand’s opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an exciting and valuable new industry slips out of our hands.

    Mawkland • Since Jan 2010 • 1302 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    This evening's Checkpoint With John Campbell interview with Helen Kelly. She is amazing.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Hilary Stace, in reply to Russell Brown,

    Both John Campbell and Helen Kelly were nominated for New Zealander of the Year. Despite extensive support neither got through to the short list. Perhaps they should have played sport..

    Wgtn • Since Jun 2008 • 3229 posts Report Reply

  • Rosemary McDonald, in reply to Hilary Stace,

    Perhaps they should have played sport..

    A sad reflection of the times.

    Maybe we should have an alternative vote...along the lines of

    "The REAL New Zealander of the Year".

    I vote for Helen Kelly.

    Waikato, or on the road • Since Apr 2014 • 1346 posts Report Reply

  • Alfie,

    A Northland woman has become the first person in the country to receive publicly-funded Sativex (medicinal cannabis) to control severe epilepsy. But not without a huge battle, help from a generous benefactor, then a contribution from Winz and finally the Northland District Health Board.

    Dunedin • Since May 2014 • 1440 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    MoH dicking Helen Kelly around. Russell has more detail to add tomorrow.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Alfie,

    While Peter Dunne's department is playing silly buggers and delaying Helen Kelly's application to use medicinal cannabis, the NSW government is putting millions into cannabis research. State premier Mike Baird sees Australia leading the world in this area.

    All of us have been moved by the stories we have seen, people who are suffering in all types of situations and circumstances and there is clear anecdotal evidence medical cannabis is making a difference.

    Dunedin • Since May 2014 • 1440 posts Report Reply

  • Alfie,

    Sadly, Helen Kelly has passed away aged just 52.

    Dunedin • Since May 2014 • 1440 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    Some posthumous further progress on medicinal funding.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

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