Here's Why It Really Matters That Australia Just Legalized Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana has finally been legalized in Australia! So, now what?

Well, cannabis is now recognized as a pharmaceutical drug, which means people with chronic illness can ingest accordingly and treat themselves.

According to CNN, amendments to the Narcotic Drug Act of 1967 passed on Wednesday, and now, it seems like the possibilities are (nearly) endless for Australians looking to get into the marijuana industry.

Cannabis, however, will still be tightly regulated, as the laws for international drug safety procedures have not changed at all.

Obtaining a marijuana license will also be a lot stricter than most other weed-friendly places. The Secretary of the Department of Health will have full control of growth and production of farms and ultimately dictate all marijuana output.

This also means, however, the government will finally be able to allocate money to scientific research of cannabis, funding studies to show how it can benefit those who need it.

Australian cancer survivor Narelle Reimers was ecstatic with the news, writing on Facebook,

As a cancer survivor I could've used some medicinal marijuana at times to relieve the pain, anxiety, hopelessness feelings, sadness, worry, insomnia, etc... Finally some common sense from our government.

This decision also came exactly one year after 20-year-old Daniel Haslam lost his life to bowel cancer. Before he passed, Daniel used marijuana to help alleviate the pain he experienced.

Australian Senator Richard Di Natale told his story before Parliament as proof marijuana has its positive effects for those ailing and in need.

Dan Haslam was 20 years old when he was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. He had everything ahead of him. Dan went... Posted by Senator Richard Di Natale on Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Even with all the regulations and new rules, this is a step in the right direction, and hopefully, more countries will start to take note.

Many more Australians, like Narelle and Daniel, will soon be able to benefit from the positive effects marijuana can have on the human body.