CANNABIS — AUTISM TRIALS
1274. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Health:
I refer the minister to the recent
trials undertaken at Monash Children's Hospital of a CBD-dominant
cannabis treatment for children with autism, the results of which have been
reported to be extremely promising.
(1) How many
children here in Western Australia have been diagnosed as suffering from
autism, and has that number grown in recent years?
(2) Will the Department of Health commit to monitoring
this and further trials planned in Victoria for children with autism, while
keeping an open mind about the potential for cannabis to help them ease their
symptoms?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) Autism spectrum disorder assessments occur in both
private and public health settings; therefore, WA Health does not hold
data on all children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
(2) Consistent with standard approaches towards
scientific research and quality use of medicines, the department will
continue to monitor, evaluate and apply relevant results of the published
medical evidence in relation to regulatory and policy approaches to medicinal
cannabis.