MEMBER for Riverina Michael McCormack has announced his position on the legalisation of medical cannabis in Australia, declaring he remains unconvinced by his own research on the issue.
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"I'm not in favour of medical cannabis being legalised," Mr McCormack told The Daily Advertiser from Canberra.
"I've read a bit about it and spoken to a few people about it and I'm not in favour."
Mr McCormack refused to elaborate further on his comments until there was a bill before parliament.
A multi-party group of federal MPs - including Liberal MPs Sharman Stone and Warren Entsch - are currently working on a bill to allow cannabis oil as a medical treatment for epilepsy sufferers, cancer patients and other life-threatening illnesses.
"I would have to see the legislation and take on the views of people in the electorate," Mr McCormack said.
Railing against his federal counterpart, Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire has given tentative support to legislation that would legalise medical marijuana for terminally ill patients in NSW.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson plans to introduce a private member's bill in support of clinical trials possibly at the next state parliamentary sitting in September. NSW Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner have given their conditional support for the bill.
"I'm not saying no," Mr Maguire said.
"Most people would agree if there is a person who is dying, they should be given the support they need to manage their pain."
Mr Maguire said he still had concerns about supply and consistency of the product. But he said the issues could be resolved through a "controlled" and "managed" pilot program.
