THE NSW government will consider growing its own marijuana or having it contract-grown as part of a clinical trial for medical cannabis use.
Premier Mike Baird (pictured) confirmed three clinical trials were likely to go ahead while speaking at a medical marijuana symposium held at Tamworth last week.
He said meeting 24-year-old Dan Haslam (pictured left), Tamworth, led to his support for the decriminalisation of cannabis use for the terminally ill.
"I can't help but be inspired by him," Mr Baird said.
"I remember the pain on his face when he came to see me, looking for help, looking for relief."
Mr Baird said the medical cannabis working group, led by chief medical officer Kerry Chant, was close to finalising its recommendations to the government.
The medical cannabis policy could also include chronic pain sufferers and children suffering from seizures.
Mr Baird said there was growing evidence of a benefit, particularly for children with seizures.
He said the research needed to be done properly, and the government was expected to outline its plans before the end of the year.
"We can't solve this overnight but the only way that you can march forward is by getting a credible, scientific, medical base that gives us an understanding of how this can be applied," he said.
Securing a marijuana supply would be one of the biggest hurdles, but Mr Baird said the government was looking at its options, including growing its own.
"I'm absolutely open to us doing that," he said.
"If that's what we need to do, either the government or through contract, to enable us to undertake these medical trials, well, that's exactly what we'll do.
