Orange and on the central coast and the Health Department says an independent evaluation has found that 50 per cent of people treated there give up the drug.

Mr Balderstone says the fact that the clinic recognises cannabis treatment as a distinct issue is a step in the right direction.

"Is this perhaps a tiny little bit of respect for the amazing cannabis plant that's emerging from the Government?" he said.

"Because it does need to be dealt with separately to other drugs, I think.

Because of prohibition, it has seriously been abused and glamorised and twisted, and ... we're talking about one of the most amazing plants on the planet."

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