Debate on the use and importation of medicinal cannabis in the Cook Islands continues in Parliament today after gaining support from both Government and Opposition MPs.

If passed, the Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill 2023 would allow anyone prescribed medicinal cannabis from an overseas medical practitioner to import or possess it within the Cook Islands.

Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasised that amending the Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act is just the first step.

Brown explained that further amendments will be required under the narcotics regulations, Ministry of Health regulations, and Pharmacy and therapeutic products regulations.

“As this Bill removes cannabis as part of the prohibited substance it will then fall under the therapeutic regulation under the Ministry of Health, where it is treated as a health product rather than narcotic.”

In Parliament yesterday, Brown explained that the Bill removes cannabis from the list of prohibited substances and allows the importation of prescribed medicinal products.

Individuals can bring in prescribed medicinal cannabis accompanied by evidence of an overseas prescription. The amendment also allows providers like pharmacies and hospitals to import and prescribe medicinal cannabis domestically.

Brown added that the amendment allows for certain medicines, like pain reliefs, to be used for end-of-life care and palliative care.

The Bill is a result of last year’s referendum on medicinal cannabis, which passed with 62 per cent of respondents voting “yes”. The referendum asked: “Should we review our cannabis laws to allow for research and medicinal use?”

In response, a Cannabis Referendum Committee was formed to provide a progress report in January 2023.

Brown noted that people use medicinal cannabis for conditions like arthritis and asthma, despite its current illegality.

“Government was also aware that medicinal cannabis is one of the fastest growing industries around the world with many countries now adopting it as a form of therapy and a form of medicine.”

However, he expressed concern about other countries’ regulations making medicinal cannabis unaffordable.

“We have identified some of these pitfalls to ensure that when we put regulations in place it doesn’t make the cost of medicinal cannabis prohibitive for our people.”

Brown added that an outcome from the Cannabis Referendum Committee chaired by MP Tingika Elikana was the need to increase public awareness and education for the public.

He said that there may be a sense of fear or concerns about using medicinal cannabis products, adding people must be aware that there is a difference in the products.

“It is important that people understand that when we talk about cannabis there are many different forms. A lot of stigmas associated with the narcotic side which has the THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) component that provides the high for users. This is different from the other product which is medicinal, the CBD (Cannabidiol), the one used more for the therapeutic and medicinal side for pain relief.

“Also distinguished from another cannabis product which is hemp, a useful product with fibres used for manufacturing clothing, seeds and flowers for health products.”

Brown said he looked forward to the rolling out of the medicinal cannabis industry and welcomed those who will be prescribed the medication to help them improve their healthy living

Opposition leader Tina Browne of the Democratic Party supported the Bill, noting that public opinion seems to be in favour of this beneficial step for the people.

“I have read in the Cook Islands News, the public forum about the Bill and from what I could understand is that most of those who have written to register their thoughts, they are coming from a commercial side. I believe this is the first step which is a beneficial step for our people,” Browne said.

Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather supported the medicinal cannabis amendments but stressed their opposition to introducing any other narcotics due to concerns for young people.