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Drugs

Barnaby Joyce Has Launched Australia's First Medical Marijuana Farm

The 47-hectare property outside of Tamworth has been named in honour of Dan Haslam, who campaigned for medical cannabis before passing away in 2015.

From left, Deputy Premier of NSW Troy Grant and Acting PM Barnaby Joyce stand with Dan's mum, Lucy. Image via.

Acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced the opening of Australia's first medicinal cannabis farm today on the outskirts of Tamworth, New South Wales. The 47-hectare property has been named Dan Eden in honour of Dan Haslam, who passed away from bowel cancer in February 2015.

Before his death, Dan campaigned for the legalisation of medical cannabis, which gave the 25-year-old relief from extreme nausea brought on by his chemotherapy. His mum, Lucy Haslam, has since become one of Australia's leading advocates for medical cannabis, starting a not-for-profit organisation called United in Compassion (UIC).

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"Amongst your grief, which you will carry for a long time, you have managed to use that energy to do something in a positive way," Mr Joyce told Lucy and her husband Lou today. "When you can find a use for any part of a plant that can assist people when they are ill, when they are in pain, you should do it."

Lou and Lucy Haslam stand by a portrait of their young son. Image via.

UIC's Tamworth farm is the first in the country to get the go-ahead to grow marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, there's still a long way before they can start producing. Firstly, more federal legislation needs passing, and the government haven't indicated a time frame for this. Secondly, UIC needs to be approved as a licensed grower in the state.

NSW hasn't yet taken the next step in medical cannabis legalisation, which Victoria did earlier this week, rolling out the framework to get the industry up and running. UIC managing director Troy Langman today expressed his support for the Victorian government's decision.

"I think it's great news for patients all over Australia," he told the ABC. "Somebody had to make the first move and I reckon that should put pressure on other states to follow suit as soon as possible."