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Olivia Newton-John's cannabis crusade

Olivia Newton-John will champion the use of medicinal cannabis when she is in Australia this week, to raise money for her wellness and research centre.

"I will do what I can to encourage it. It's an important part of treatment, and it should be available," the singer, who announced a second battle with breast cancer in May, told News Corp.

Olivia Newton-John wants medicinal cannabis to be easily obtainable in Australia. Source: Getty
Olivia Newton-John wants medicinal cannabis to be easily obtainable in Australia. Source: Getty

Olivia said she uses the drug – which is legal in her home state of California – and it's helped her during her second fight against cancer.

"I use medicinal cannabis, which is really important for pain and healing," she said.

"It's a plant that has been maligned for so long, and has so many abilities to heal."

Medicinal cannabis may be legal here, but it's hard to access. Source: Getty
Medicinal cannabis may be legal here, but it's hard to access. Source: Getty

The government has provided a pathway for the prescription of medical cannabis, but the process has been described as "somewhat complicated".

To date, fewer than 150 patients in Australia have access to medical cannabis, while the industry is still navigating the regulations around cultivation licensing.

Olivia will be in Melbourne this week for a gala dinner for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, which she set up following her initial battle 25 years ago.

With additional reporting by AAP.

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