Speaking for the first time publicly about the issue, Mr Marshall said he hoped to see the unanimous recommendations of a cross-party Legislative Council inquiry implemented.

“The inquiry considered copious evidence from medical professionals and experts about the medical uses of cannabis and recommended a cautious, limited and sensible approach,” Mr Marshall said. “This would allow people with a terminal illness to apply, on the certification of their treating doctor to the NSW Department of Health.”

The change would make users and their carers exempt from prosecution for possession of small quantities of cannabis products.

“It carefully avoids any possibility of feeding the recreational market or creating new supplies of the drug and instead focuses on ensuring that those cancer patients and others with a terminal illness can find relief for their symptoms without fear of being prosecuted.”

Earlier this year 24-year-old Tamworth man Dan Haslam and his family began a crusade to not only change the community’s attitude to the medical use of marijuana but change legislation in NSW.

Mr Haslam has terminal bowel cancer and has been using cannabis “tincture” to help deal with the side effects of chemotherapy. 

“It’s time to show compassion and adopt a humanitarian approach to this important health issue,” he said. 

“People who are dying should not have to also face the fear of prosecution for using a natural drug that relieves some of their pain and suffering, often times better than any legal drug can.”

Several high profile police officers and politicians, including former “tough on drugs” federal commissioner Mick Palmer and former NSW Premier Bob Carr, have gone public in their support of the Haslam family’s campaign.

Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has been a little more cautious in his support.

“If there’s a capacity to have medical use of cannabis and it’s properly controlled ... then it’s worthy of consideration,” he said.