Victoria has high hopes of becoming cannabis bowl of Australia...

Victoria has high hopes of becoming cannabis bowl of Australia 27th January 2019

Authorities have only granted 3,200 approvals for the legal use of the medicine in two-and-a-half decades, but with 2,500 of those coming last year, the sector is forecasting a year of big growth.

And with more countries legalising medicinal cannabis in recent years, figures in the growing industry say access to export markets will play a key role in establishing the local industry.

As many as 100,000 people are estimated to buy medicinal cannabis on the black market, and the potential legal market could be many times that.

Business is not only eyeing off domestic use but also foreign markets, with Thailand joining the list of countries legalising medical cannabis.

Analyst Matthijs Smith predicts 2019 will be a big year for the local industry, with Australia well placed to capitalise on global and local interest.

"Australia has been producing botanical-based medicines in the form of opioids for many years," Mr Smith said.
"In fact, we are the leading exporters of medical opioids, and I think we can translate that experience into the medical cannabis scene.

"There are over 100,000 people in Australia currently using medical cannabis for genuine medical purposes.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01...o-make-state-medicinal-cannabis-bowl/10749520

GLTAH
DYOR