Legalise Cannabis WA MP Dr Brian Walker has begun a campaign urging the federal government to add medicinal cannabis to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Through Dr Walker's website, supporters can automatically email their elected representatives and add their name to a parliamentary petition.
He said: "I see patients on an almost daily basis who would benefit from medicinal cannabis to treat a whole range of recognised ailments, from chronic pain through to anxiety and insomnia. Many simply can't afford the price tag that accompanies a prescription though.
"Governments across Australia, at both federal and state level, will tell you that medicinal cannabis is legal, but if it isn't affordable and therefore readily available to patients who need it, what good does that platitude do?
"On average, PBS listing drops the price of otherwise expensive drugs to just a fraction of their pre-listing price. According to their own figures, most PBS medicines cost less than $42.50 – that's 15% of the average cost of medicinal cannabis at present."
"I'm calling on prime minister Albanese and his health minister Mark Butler to put our money where their mouths are, and begin the process of listing medicinal cannabis treatments on the PBS.
"At a time when prices are skyrocketing, we need the government to step up and ensure that ordinary Australians have access to the medicines they need to live a pain free and fulfilling life."
Separately, LCWA candidate Leanne Lockyer secured 5.4% of the vote in the previous week's North West Central by-election, an increase from the 3.9% the party recorded statewide during May's federal election. Nationals candidate Merome Beard won the seat with 40.25% of the vote.
UPDATE (October 19, 2022): Dr Walker's PBS petition closed with 6,687 signatures, placing it third in the federal government's petition listings.
He said: "I would like to thank everyone who signed – we now have a fighting chance of making this healthy, healing herb more affordable and accessible for those who rely on it."
