PHARMACUETICAL COMPANIES are looking to Byron Bay and the NSW North Coast for cannabis growers now that new laws have kicked in for the licensing of medicinal cannabis cultivation.
One the first ASX-listed medicinal cannabis companies, MGC Pharmaceuticals, is applying for Office of Drug Control licence and has confirmed it’s considering Byron Bay and surrounding areas for its farming operations.
MGC board member Dr Ross Walker says the Byron region is an ideal place to grow marijuana for medical trials of cannabis.
“It’s a good growing site, it has a history of growing marijuana, and of course we’re looking for sites for growing marijuana where there is good chance the site will be secure and we’re looking to link up with local horticulturists,” Dr Walker said.
“I have been travelling to Byron Bay and the North Coast at least four times a year – it is my most favourite place on the planet and I certainly hope it is a place where proper medical grade cannabis can be cultivated.”
Dr Walker said cannabis is unlikely to be made available to patients any earlier than 2018, with extensive medical testing required before it’s proven to be safe and effective.
“I think it’s a tragedy that people have to obtain cannabis illegally to use it for conditions they’re not getting help with through traditional methods,” Dr Walker said.