FRANKS: What is the status of the Office of Industrial Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis?

FRANKS: The first topic is on the Office of Industrial Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis.

Approved by the Board in December 2012 and extended until 30 June 2015, the Task Force has already achieved significant traditional law enforcement outcomes, including: � seizing more than $37.86 million cash � seizing drugs and precursors with a combined estimated street value of more than $642 million through seizures in all states � dismantling the largest ever clan lab discovered in Victoria � discovering the largest indoor hydroponic cannabis crop in New South Wales � seizing one of the largest amounts of liquid methylamphetamine in Victoria (365 litres in April 2013 in Melbourne) � restraining more than $30 million worth of assets and the referral of over 150 entities to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for suspected money laundering/tax evasion � disrupting 25 serious and organised criminal groups/networks � identifying more than 180 targets previously unknown to law enforcement � arresting 167 people on 362 charges, including many serious drug

Act or Regulation Requirement Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011 13 January 2020 – Amendments support emergency supply by pharmacists in specified emergencies. 1 April 2020 – Amendments place restrictions on the sale of nitrous oxide. 18 June 2020 – Amendments enable electronic prescribing. 2019-20 ANNUAL REPORT for the Controlled Substances Advisory Council 17 | P a g e Act or Regulation Requirement Controlled Substances (Controlled Drugs, Precursors and Plants) Regulations 2014. 1 July 2019 - Schedule 5 cannabis expiation fees increased. 31 October 2019 - 1-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5- yl)- 2-(ethylamino)pentan-1- one (N- Ethylpentylone) declared a controlled drug.

Several noted the need to consider problems related to use of amphetamines and cannabis.

In regard to the ability of the Minister for Health to grant licences, authorities or permits with respect to somebody manufacturing, cultivating, supplying, administering or possessing cannabis or cannabis derivatives, is there a place in the department where that request will go to, or does it go direct to the Minister for Health?

FRANKS: What is the status of the Office of Industrial Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis?

It is arguable, that committed, continuous use of cannabis would amount to unprofessional conduct.

It is arguable, that committed, continuous use of cannabis would amount to unprofessional conduct.

The most common illicit drug used was cannabis, followed by ecstasy and pain killers/ analgesics (for non-medical purposes).