The controversial move to make the personal growth and use of marijuana for medical purposes hangs in the balance, according to advocates.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It follows the reading of a bill to decriminalise its possession for seriously ill or terminal patients in state parliament on Thursday.
Narrandera resident Rach Cregan said the decision to legalise medicinal cultivation for use under strict conditions in NSW could be made in coming weeks.
Ms Cregan said after a 10-year “merry-go-round” ride, sufferers and advocates were tired and exhausted.
She said they didn’t know what they’d do if the legislation didn’t pass.
“Fear-based excuses make people wait longer,” Ms Cregan said.
“Those who are for it have brilliant arguments.
“It’s a common sense bill.”
Wagga actress Michelle Brasier this week said she supported the use of medical marijuana after revealing it had helped loved ones.
The Legally Blonde – The Musical lead said she backed the legalisation of the drug after she said she saw its benefits first-hand.
Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary vote, Ms Brasier said she couldn’t understand why it was not legal yet.
“I had a friend – a dancer – whose mother would get it for her when she was dying of cancer at the age of 22,” Ms Brasier said.
“It helped her so much.”
Ms Brasier said her friend became herself again.
“She used it until she was stuck in a hospital dying,” she said.
“She missed it when she couldn't have it.”
The former Kooringal High School student said her friend went downhill so quickly - “just mentally”.
“She was lost in the pain and the painkillers and the fear,” Ms Brasier said.
“She didn't deserve that.”
The 28-year-old said she witnessed the benefits of marijuana in small doses.
“I've seen friends and family have their suffering relieved,” Ms Brasier said.
“Of course I support the legalisation of something that can help people so much.”
According to the Office of Drug Control, medical cannabis products are only available through importation while the Australian domestic cultivation scheme is being developed.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt in February announced an immediate streamlining of drug imports to make medical cannabis more readily available to doctors but the bill was blocked.
