THE GOVERNMENT MEDICINAL CANNABIS BILL And the Submissions Process

THE GOVERNMENT MEDICINAL CANNABIS BILL Paves the way for domestic production of medicinal cannabis, via a regulatory power. Terminally ill people are safe from prosecution for possession and utensils. CBD and CBD products are de- scheduled

THE REGULATORY POWER Paves the way for domestic production of medicinal cannabis Sets standards for products. Both locally made and imported. Advisory committee to be setup to discuss prescribing limits.

Terminal Protections Has to be for Terminal patients certified as having 12 months to live. Protects against possession and utensils. – not cultivation or manufacture. Does not cover Fatal conditions with longer decline, such as MND, Progressive MS. Election Promise of Chronic Pain has been ignored.

CBD Declassification Previous National Govt created exemption to prescribe CBD. – It was still Class B Govt Bill accepts the UN findings of CBD, and is descheduling it entirely. Other Countries have CBD as a health food supplement, especially low doses. Still a Medicine needing a GP in NZ.

Possible changes Terminal defence Terminal defence. - Extend it to those with “Severe or Debilitating” conditions. “Severe or Debilitating” excludes mild chronic pain, but includes those on strong opioids etc. Protection is extended for all cannabis related offences, long term sufferers are most likely to cultivate.

Possible changes CBD Declassification CBD is only one of many compounds with potential. Others are being commercially developed. Extend Declassification to all cannabinoids that are not known to have psychoactive effects. This would include CBC, CBG, THCV and most importantly CBDV.

Possible changes The Regulatory power Shape of Regulations are unknown, potential for – supplementary submissions. Could ask to point to a preferred country as a model for regulations to implement. The advisory committee on prescribing. Decisive change could match Prescribing of Cocaine and Opioids.

The Law making Process

The Select Committee Members Chairperson Louisa Wall Labour Party Deputy-Chairperson Shane Reti National Party Jonathan Coleman National Party Liz Craig Labour Party Matt Doocey National Party Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki Labour Party Nicky Wagner National Party Angie Warren-Clark Labour Party

Making a Submission. Key Points for Written submissions Stay on topic. There are 3 key changes. Speak to those changes. The unaddressed changes you desire may come under the regulations which are to be decided. – speak to the shape of future regulations you would like to see. You can also ask for a supplementary submission once regulations are made public. • Get your submission in on time — often select committees refuse to accept late submissions. March 21st is last day • Group Submissions, such as regional MS chapters or even online support groups carry weight.

Making a Submission. Oral Submissions If you are keen, you can ask to speak to your submission. May need to travel to wellington You will have 5-10 mins, stay on point. Don’t attack politicians………… Rehearse if possible.

Things to include in Submission • Who you are and your contact details. • Make it clear at the beginning whether or not you want to appear before the select committee to make an oral submission. We really recommend you do, as it can add weight to your submission. • If it’s a group submission, provide more information about the size, nature and kaupapa of the organisation.

Things to include in Submission • Make it clear if you support or oppose the bill, and why. It is important to give clear reasons. • If you support the bill but would like to see parts of it changed, be very clear about what you want done. • Provide any background material that will support your points. This can include research and/or personal and community stories. Stories personalize the issue for the select committee and help them understand why the topic is important to you and how this Bill will affect your life and community.