A 68-year-old resident from the South West is calling on the State Government to make medicinal marijuana more easily accessible, and to legalise the drug for recreational purposes.
Health Minister Roger Cook said, despite medicinal marijuana being legal, the State Government had no plans to decriminalise/legalise marijuana for recreational use.
"Legalisation of cannabis for recreational use is not recommended and is not being considered in Western Australia. This is due to evidence of physical and mental health harms related to regular cannabis use," he said.
"Medicinal cannabis is now legal to prescribe in Western Australia."
A Therapeutic Goods Administration spokesperson said: "All states and territories allow medicinal cannabis. However, they have additional controls on accessing Schedule 8 medicinal cannabis products, imposed by their drugs and poisons legislation and any jurisdictional medicinal cannabis legislation."
Over the past few years, the woman - who did not wish to be identified - has been suffering from epileptic seizures, severe bouts of depression, and suicidal thoughts.
The woman first started using marijuana for medicinal purposes five years ago, obtaining it from outside sources.
During that time, she and her doctor had discussed the difficulties of accessing medicinal marijuana.
After trying marijuana for the first time, her depression and dark thoughts subsided.
The number of epileptic seizures then decreased rapidly after several weeks.
She said she would not have survived without the "wonder plant".
"For years, I lived in hell. I suffered from major seizures at least four times per week," she said.
"I watched a documentary which showed that cannabis had reduced seizures in some children, from hundreds per day to just four.
"From the beginning, my life turned around. I find myself smiling nowadays, and now I feel really happy.
"I am now able to live a normal life."
She said marijuana should be legalised for all purposes because it helps with combating depression, anxiety, and stress.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or WA drug and alcohol support line on 1800 198 024.
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