A NSW coalition MP is breaking ranks with the Baird government and will introduce legislation to legalise cannabis for terminally ill patients.
Nationals lower house MP Kevin Anderson met Premier Mike Baird on Wednesday and told him he was going to introduce his bill despite the government's opposition to legalising medicinal cannabis.
He shared with Mr Baird the story of 24-year-old Dan Haslam, who has terminal bowel cancer and has been forced to use cannabis illegally to treat his pain and nausea.
"The premier was sympathetic and listened intently while I explained the issue to him and the circumstances surrounding my decision to try and change the laws," Mr Anderson said in a statement.
Mr Baird says his government would give "careful consideration" to Mr Anderson's bill.
"I have nothing but sympathy for the Haslam family as they struggle with their son's illness," he said in a statement.
Mr Anderson said he shared the premier's "grave concerns" on the issue of the drug's supply.
"It would need to be through a tightly controlled and regulated process," Mr Anderson said.
Greens NSW MP John Kaye said the premier appeared to be shifting his position.
"Mr Anderson has indicated that the premier is now showing some sympathy for the plight of patients with terminal illness and their carers," Dr Kaye said.
In 2013, a bipartisan parliamentary committee recommended AIDS and terminally ill patients be allowed to possess and use up to 15g of dry cannabis.
The committee recommended a register of authorised cannabis patients to protect medicinal users against prosecution.
But the O'Farrell government knocked back the proposal, saying the potency and safety of the products, which includes cannabis in plant, resin or liquid form, could not be guaranteed.
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