A proposal by the South Australian Government to bring together key stakeholders to discuss the potential for the establishment of industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis industries in the state has been welcomed by Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo. Mr Piccolo said he understands that industry associations, lobby groups, research bodies, companies and government departments have been invited to attend a roundtable. “The purpose of the roundtables is to discuss the potential future for both the industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis industries, current barriers to establishing industries, and a way forward.” said Mr Piccolo. “The roundtable will be held on 30th January, “I am keen to hear from people who have ideas on how the industry could be developed in South Australia, “A properly managed industry would not only create valuable jobs but also has the potential to deliver health benefits,” he said. On 30 October 2016 amendments to the Federal Government’s Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 came into operation, allowing the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes under a national licensing scheme. Patient access in South Australia is by prescription from specialist medical practitioners. Patients with a serious, chronic illness that is unresponsive to conventional treatment may be eligible for a prescription.Products must be made under the Commonwealth’s licensing scheme or imported under a permit issued by the Therapeutic Goods Association.Mr Piccolo said the Commonwealth Government is responsible for issuing licences and permits under this scheme.“It was not well known or understood that following the federal changes to the scheduling of medicinal cannabis from 1 November 2016, in South Australia certain cannabis products are considered in the same class as medicines such as morphine, available under prescription by authorised medical specialist,” said Mr Piccolo “Subject to the Commonwealth granting the necessary licenses, medicinal cannabis products made from Australian-grown cannabis crops could be available this year,” he said.In addition to medicinal cannabis, industrial hemp can be used to make clothing, building products and cosmetic products. While in South Australia it is legal to possess these processed products, it is currently illegal to grow the plant that produces the fibres. Mr Piccolo said he would be talking to state and federal colleagues about creating industries, including for export.