Hon Nick Goiran asks about access to prescribed medical cannabis for individuals on remand in WA prisons. The Minister confirms it's not allowed, but alternative treatments are available based on clinical assessment and prison formulary.

AnsweredQoN 551Legislative Assembly
Asked
14 August 2025
Portfolio
Corrective Services

QuestionView source ↗

Bail application—Medical cannabis
551. Hon Nick Goiran to
the minister representing the Minister for Corrective
Services:
I refer to a case in
Narrogin Magistrates Court on 8 July, where a defence lawyer reportedly told
the court her client was applying for bail on exceptional circumstances because
it cannot receive his prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain while in
custody.
(1) Are individuals on remand able to receive
prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain when in custody?
(2) If no to (1), what prescribed treatments are
available for such individuals?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of the question.
The following answer has been provided to me by the Minister for Corrective
Services.
(1) No.
(2) Persons in
custody who have chronic pain conditions are thoroughly assessed on their
reception into custody. Treatment initiated by a specialist may be continued
when clinically indicated or an alternative treatment
provided in accordance with the custodial pharmaceutical formulary. Not all
medications that are available in the community are prescribed in prisons for
safety and security reasons.

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