By Emma Jolliff
The poster boy for the medical use of marijuana appeared in court today on five charges relating to growing and supplying the drug.
Billy McKee – an amputee – says he is prepared to go to prison to push a law change allowing the drug to be prescribed to adults suffering pain or terminal illness.
Today was McKee’s second court appearance; facing four charges for supply of cannabis and one of cultivation for supply.
“There needs to be a system in place where doctors can prescribe cannabis for people to use it,” he says. “it really is a medical issue. It should be up to the doctor, not the police.”
Some of McKee’s supporters travelled from as far away as Waitakere and told 3 News that “recreational users” are getting in the way of ill people in New Zealand getting the “medicine they require and deserve”.
McKee lost part of his leg to a drunk driver 20 years ago and has been using cannabis since to help with nerve pain.
“My cup of tea would be a bit of cannabis in it, I prefer not to smoke,” he says.
McKee says prescription drugs don’t work and make him “zombie-like”. He is president of Greencross – a medicinal cannabis support group with 50 members.
Critics say the law is inconsistent and allows synthesised products like Kronic to be sold.
“Real cannabis, which is a herb and natural is illegal,” says Jeff Lye of the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party.
The Law Commission agrees the drug needs to be regulated and has recommended the Government conduct clinical trials.
“We need to assess whether it really does have benefits that outweigh side effects and risks,” says spokesman Warren Young. “That work hasn’t been done.”
The Government has until October to respond.
Meanwhile, McKee has been advised that if he pleads guilty he could get home detention. If he pleads not guilty but is found guilty, he is likely to go to jail.
“Four of the charges carry eight years on each charge and one charge carries seven years,” he says.
Contrary to advice, McKee plans on pleading not guilty when he returns to court in September.
3 News