The New South Wales Government has announced it will conduct trials into the medical use of cannabis, starting in 2015.
A woman tends medical cannabis plants in a greenhouse in northern Israel. Photo: AFP
The state government will invest up to $AU9 million in three or more clinical trials, the ABC reported.
The trials will examine how cannabis-derived medical products can help provide relief to terminally-ill patients, those undergoing chemotherapy and some children who suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy.
A medical cannabis expert panel will be led by the state's chief medical officer, Dr Kerry Chant.
In a statement, Premier Mike Baird said it was a bold plan that would draw on research from around the world.
He said the government would also consider a range of supply measures including importation or, failing that, a homegrown supply.
A new scheme to avoid charges being laid against terminally-ill adults who use cannabis to alleviate their symptoms also starts today.