Keira MP Ryan Park has thrown his support behind Labor leader Luke Foley's push for a more ambitious approach to medicinal cannabis.
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Mr Park, a long-time advocate for the availability of the drug, has echoed the call for bi-partisan action to ensure people can "get some comfort from this drug and not feel like a criminal in the process".
"I am very supportive of the fact that Luke has put this issue on the agenda because, to be frank, I think it is one that has been kicked around for too long," Mr Park said.
"We know people in our community who are suffering from conditions such as cancer could benefit from this drug and we should be doing everything we can to make it available."
On Sunday, Mr Foley said NSW needed a "more ambitious" medicinal cannabis program than the scheme proposed by the Baird government, including changes to drug laws.
The NSW government is planning a $9 million trial for medicinal cannabis that has the potential to treat children with severe epilepsy, terminally-ill adults and those undergoing chemotherapy.
Under new guidelines, police will have the discretion not to charge terminally-ill cannabis users and carers who assist them for breaking drug laws.
"The law should disappear from the statute books," Mr Foley said.
"I'd like to see us cross party lines here and change the law so that the terminally ill and their loved ones need never fear prosecution.
"I want to ... give people experiencing terrible pain and suffering some hope."
Mr Foley said he wanted the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act changed "as a matter of urgency" in the first sitting week of parliament after the March state election. He said if a state trial on medicinal cannabis were to take place, "it should be far quicker than what's envisaged in NSW".
He has yet to talk to Premier Mike Baird about the issue.
The trial, announced by the Baird government in December, will first have to overcome logistical hurdles in importing medical cannabis from Europe or the US.
If permission is denied, the government has indicated it could grow its own crop.
Mr Park said he was "very keen" to work with the government on drafting legislation that enables legitimate use of the drug, but ensures its recreational aspect is "completely and utterly prohibited".
