OCTOBER 13, 2015 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
(Shawn Smits)
Up where he belongs Skaters, scooters and BMX bikers will descend on Epping Skate Escape park at Meadow Glen Reserve for round five of the north-western series skate competition this Saturday. The series started last month in Wallan with events hosted every Saturday at skate parks across the region. Temperatures won’t be the only thing tipped to soar as competitors impress the judges with their best tricks in a bid to qualify for the regional finals at Kinglake Skate Park in November. Competitors face off in open men’s and women’s, under 12, 14 and 16-year-old divisions. More details: www.skatepark.ymca.org.au JACOB DE-LEO, 16
Esther Lauaki
Cannabis lifeline a relief By Alexandra Laskie A Mernda family has expressed joy and relief that medicinal cannabis will be grown and sold in Victoria within the next two years. Cassie Batten and Rhett Wallace’s four-year-old son, Cooper, has severe brain damage, cerebral abscesses, hydrocephalus, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, and he suffers from daily seizures unless administered with cannabis oil. Ms Batten says she is overjoyed that the state government will legalise access to locally manufactured medicinal cannabis for “exceptional circumstances” as early as 2017.
The Victorian Law Reform Commission’s report on medicinal cannabis, tabled in Parliament last Tuesday, contains 42 recommendations that address eligibility criteria, the role of doctors, the regulation of manufacture and distribution, and the forms of medicinal cannabis that should be permitted. Premier Daniel Andrews announced the state government would fully accept 40 of the commission’s recommendations, and two in principle. Ms Batten, Mr Wallace, and one other non-government, non-medical professional were consulted by the commission in compiling its report.
Special Offer 12 Seaters
1202413-PB42-15
only $100 a day over 2 days rentals. T & C apply.
Ms Batten said the state government’s announcement was a light at the end of the tunnel. “You can’t change laws overnight and we understand that.” She said the report was in line with their expectations, and she and Mr Wallace were supportive of the commission’s recommendation to have medicinal cannabis made available in the same way as prescription medication, as opposed to a “grow-your-own” scheme. Among the recommendations are for treatment to be limited to only the most gravely ill sufferers of epilepsy; those suffering severe pain arising from cancer, HIV or AIDS, severe
muscle spasms or pain due to multiple sclerosis; and for treatment to go only to people who live in Victoria. Specialist medical practitioners would determine whether a person was eligible for the treatment. In the meantime, Ms Batten said her family had no choice but to procure cannabis oil illegally. “Everyone knows we’re breaking the law, but some chose to turn a blind eye.” The state government says it will introduce legislation reflecting the commission’s recommendations before the end of the year.