The Country Women’s Association (CWA) will debate access to medicinal cannabis at its State Conference in Bega, New South Wales next week.
The association’s Cobargo branch will raise a motion asking for the organisation to campaign to include medicinal cannabis on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Far South Coast Group secretary Lynn Lawson told About Regional: “The problem is that although cannabis can be obtained by prescription, it’s not available under the PBS and it’s exorbitantly expensive.”
Lawson said despite its reputation as an organisation for those interested in handicrafts and cooking, the CWA is also a powerful lobbying group of women who want to make a difference.
“Everybody thinks it’s just about tea and scones, but the CWA is one of the biggest lobby groups in the country. It’s certainly the biggest women’s lobby group in the country,” she added.
Some 400 delegates and observers are expected to attend the event from May 2 to 6.
UPDATE (May 7, 2021): The CWA of NSW accepted the motion and has called for prescribed medicinal cannabis to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
