Former Liberal to head up cannabis council

Former Liberal MP Dr Andrew Southcott has been named as the chair of the government's new advisory council on the use of medicinal cannabis.

Dr Andrew Southcott will chair the government's advisory council on the use of medicinal cannabis. (AAP)

A former Liberal MP and doctor will head up the federal government's new advisory council on the use of medicinal cannabis.

The government on Friday announced one of its own former members, Dr Andrew Southcott would chair the council, which will sit in February.

"I'm pleased that Dr Southcott has agreed to chair the council and bring his expertise as a doctor to this important Australian government initiative for patients and their doctors to have access to a safe, legal and reliable supply of medicinal cannabis," Health Minister Sussan Ley said.