Australia commits to legal growing of medicinal marijuana

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian lawmakers have committed to legalize the growing of marijuana for medical use within a part of the world renowned for zero-tolerance and harsh penalties for illegal drugs.

The government introduced a bill to Parliament on Wednesday that would amend the Narcotics Drugs Act 1967 and create a licensing scheme for growing medicinal cannabis. Marijuana is currently illegal throughout Australia, but two states are considering making the drug available for therapeutic uses.

The bill is guaranteed to become law, with the main opposition party immediately pledging support.

The government says the draft law will meet Australia's international obligations to ensure that production, manufacture and distribution of marijuana is for medical and scientific purposes only.