Preparations for a multi-million dollar trial for medicinal cannabis are set to begin in NSW this week.
Children with severe epilepsy, terminally ill adults and those undergoing chemotherapy could be part of the $9 million trial to help alleviate their symptoms.
Before the trials can get underway the NSW government has to overcome logistical hurdles in importing medical cannabis products from Europe or the US.
Approval for the importation of the products may take several weeks, but if permission is denied the NSW government has indicated it could grow its own cannabis crop.
"The government will assume responsibility for supply itself," Premier Mike Baird said.
"If we have evidence that medical cannabis has the potential to change lives, then we need to do something about it."
Under new guidelines, police will have discretion to not charge terminally-ill cannabis users and the carers who assist them.
Mr Baird stressed the drug remained illegal.
