The use of cannabis for medical purposes is a controversial issue that is currently being debated in the Queensland Parliament. The term medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, refers to the use of the whole unprocessed cannabis plant or its basic extracts to relieve pain for many conditions and diseases [ CITATION Jac15 l 3081 ]. This can range from epilepsy, AIDS, anxiety, arthritis, cancer and glaucoma. Despite its potential to assist in medical conditions, the Queensland legislation states that medical cannabis is a Schedule 2 dangerous drug (Austlii, 1987). However, since the cannabis plant contains chemicals, cannabinoids, that can assist in the relief and treatment of a variety of illnesses, many experts argue it has a purpose in medicine[ CITATION Cla15 l 3081 ]. In fact, according to the 2010 National Strategy Household Survey Report, 68.8% of people support the use of medical cannabis [ CITATION 20111 l 3081 ]. Therefore, the Queensland Government, medical experts, members of society and individual's with medical conditions who could benefit from the use of medical cannabis are key stakeholders in this issue. The legal system in Queensland is inadequately protecting the rights of individuals by denying patients beneficial medical care and therefore, not upholding its commitment to Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Australia is a founding member of the United Nation and therefore is obliged to uphold all articles within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Article 25 specifically states that, "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including medical care" (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights). .
Cannabis, for medical purposes is produced from the non- psychoactive component of the plant and contains the chemical Cannabinoids (CBD) in high concentrations[ CITATION Lea14 l 3081 ].