Australia: Medical Marijuana Accused Father's Trial Delayed

Jacob Redmond

Well-Known Member
Medical marijuana is illegal in Australia but Queensland and Victoria have joined New South Wales in a $9 million trial of cannabis oil for patients suffering epilepsy, end-of-life pain and chemotherapy-related nausea. Photo: supplied

The case against a Queensland man accused of treating his cancer-stricken toddler with cannabis oil has been delayed, awaiting testimony from doctors.

The prosecution is waiting on statements from two doctors at the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, where the man was arrested on January 2.

His two-year-old daughter was receiving treatment for stage 4 neuroblastoma inside and police allege he was putting cannabis oil into her food.

Department of Public Prosecutions listings officer Suzanne Phillips said statements from the doctors had been expected by May 15 but one of them was away on leave.

She said the statements were "definitely expected" early this week.

The Cairns father's case has generated international media attention and a social media page set up after his arrest has attracted 74,000 fans.

Two separate online fundraising efforts have raised more than $40,000 between them for the father and daughter, neither of whom can be named for legal reasons.

Medical marijuana is illegal in Australia but Queensland and Victoria have joined New South Wales in a $9 million trial of cannabis oil for patients suffering epilepsy, end-of-life pain and chemotherapy-related nausea.

Announcing the state's support for the trial in April, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was moved by the plight of sick children to join the trial.

But she wouldn't say if the father would receive amnesty.

On arrest, the man was originally prevented from visiting his daughter but his bail conditions were altered on January 16.

At that hearing, Prosecutor Mark Gorton told the court police would allege the man put the cannabis oil in food he was preparing for the girl.

The father wasn't required to appear when his case was heard in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

Magistrate Linda Bradford-Morgan set a deadline of May 25 for statements to be presented to defence lawyers, with the case due to be heard again on June 22.

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News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical marijuana accused father's trial delayed
Author: Jorge Branco
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Photo Credit: Mike Siegel / The Seattle Times
Website: Australian Breaking News Headlines & World News Online | SMH.com.au
 
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