Story: Health advocacy and self-help

Medicinal cannabis

Trade union leader Helen Kelly (1964–2016) was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. During her illness she was a vocal supporter of the legalisation of medicinal cannabis products for pain relief. In this interview, she talks about using cannabis oils and balms to alleviate pain and anxiety, and the need to change the law to allow people with chronic pain to legally access and use these products. Prescribing non-psychoactive medicinal cannabis became legal in 2020.

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YouTube: Radio New Zealand channel
Reference: Checkpoint with John Campbell

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How to cite this page:

Rosemary Du Plessis and Anne Scott, 'Health advocacy and self-help - Development of advocacy and self-help', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/46898/medicinal-cannabis (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Rosemary Du Plessis and Anne Scott, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 17 Jul 2018