From Keira to Kiama, state MPs have backed a move by NSW Labor leader Luke Foley to give those ‘‘experiencing terrible pain and suffering some hope’’.

Mr Foley’s comments at the weekend, about crossing party lines on the issue, garnered support from Kiama MP Gareth Ward, who said he was ‘‘pleased the state opposition now agree with us’’. 

‘‘I don’t believe any drug that can ease the pain and suffering of people, that medical practitioners believe is of benefit, should be denied to those people,’’ Mr Ward said.

‘‘I do support the trial [announced by the Baird government in December] because, like any drug that’s prescribed, we need to be assured of its health benefits along with its side effects and impacts.

‘‘I’m delighted the opposition are not going to play politics with this issue.’’

Member for Wollongong Noreen Hay was ‘‘happy to take advice from the experts’’.

‘‘The position of the opposition caucus was to support that trial,’’ Ms Hay said.

Ms Hay, who is also a strong advocate for palliative care, stressed her support was only for cannabis to be used for pain management by the terminally ill.

‘‘I echo the calls of getting the legislation prepared and getting it [the trial] under way,’’ she said.

‘‘There are people out there ... suffering unspeakable pain.’’

Labor Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson told the Mercury she wanted immediate action. 

‘‘I believe the legislation should be introduced as soon as possible, so those people who are in a lot of pain, patients that are terminal, have access to that sort of pain relief,’’ Ms Watson said.

‘‘There’s already been a number of trials conducted overseas, so we already know what the results are.

‘‘We already know medicinal cannabis is a very good pain relief for those patients, so why should we withdraw or hold that pain medication unnecessarily?’’

The Mercury reported Keira MP Ryan Park’s support of the bipartisan approach on Monday.

Liberal Member for Heathcote Lee Evans was contacted for comment.