Processes are underway in two Australian States to introduce Medicinal Cannabis programs suitable for certain categories of people in real need. Because of the long held ‘illegal’ status and common emotionally based fears of illicit drugs, there has not been sufficient study in terms of formal clinical trials with cannabis in many areas, but these issues can tackled if the necessary legal framework permits. Commonwealth legislation based on the international Conventions is a potential obstacle, but the 1961 Convention, including the 1972 protocol, specifically provides that the drugs may be produced and used ‘exclusively for medical and scientific purposes’ outside the restrictions of the Convention. The 1988 Convention against trafficking is also enshrined in Commonwealth legislation. Whilst growth of poppies and production of morphine, thebaine and codeine is permitted under Australian law in the light of INCB approvals and oversights, minor changes to the Commonwealth legislation, or granting of exemptions, may be required to permit progress bringing regulated cannabis preparations for medical purposes into line with medicinal opioid production and use. Medicinal cannabis programs are now established in Netherlands, Italy