Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson moves to legalise medicinal cannabis after meeting terminally-ill ...

Dan Haslam, who has terminal cancer, is fighting with the support of his family and community to decriminalise cannabis for the terminally ill. Picture: Paul Mathews Source: Supplied

THE National Party member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has broken ranks with the coalition government over the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Mr Anderson met with Premier Mike Baird last night to inform him of his intention to introduce a Private Members Bill seeking the approval for the use of cannabis by terminally ill patients.

Mr Haslam undergoing chemotherapy in hospital. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson will introduce a bill. Picture: Dan Himbrechts Source: News Limited

Mr Anderson said he had been moved by the plight of Dan Haslam, the 24-year-old terminally ill man whose family has been forced to break the law to obtain cannabis, the only drug that treats the nausea associated with his regular chemotherapy.

“I told him (the Premier) about the Haslam family from Tamworth and the heartbreaking circumstances facing 24-year-old Dan Haslam who has terminal cancer and his use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

“The Premier was sympathetic and agreed the time has come to address this issue and he supported my bid to work up a private members bill.

“However he joined with me in expressing grave concerns about the supply and the prescription of cannabis and the challenge in addressing those issues,” Mr Anderson said.

Dan Haslam with his wife Alyce, his mother Lucy and father Lou. Picture: Paul Mathews Source: Supplied

Former foreign minister and NSW Premier Bob Carr supports legalisation. Picture: Mark Cranitch. Source: News Corp Australia

Last year the current government knocked back the recommendations of a cross-party parliamentary committee who unanimously recommended the move last year.

Health Minister Jillian Skinner said she had issues with the safety of crude cannabis.

The story of Dan Haslam has moved even former “tough on drugs” federal police commission Mick Palmer to go public in support of the use of cannabis for the terminally ill.

“Our drug policy should not make criminals out of victims but should recognise the drug use problem for what it is — a health issue,” Mr Palmer said.

A poll of almost 2400 Sunday Telegraph and Daily Telegraph readers found 94 per cent wanted the drug legalised for medicinal purposes, with only 2 per cent against the idea.

On Sunday, the former foreign minister and NSW Premier Bob Carr also called on the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

“The simplest way to resolve this is to amend the law so that someone seeking the stuff won’t run foul of the law if they have the medical tick off,” Mr Carr said.

“It should be decriminalised for people who have a doctor’s certificate saying their pain and nausea can be relieved by cannabis.”

Mr Anderson said it was critical to get the proposed bill right.

“I strongly oppose the use of recreational drugs at every level and will continue to do so but through the Haslam family and my own research, I have a greater understanding of how cannabis can be used to alleviate the severe and distressing symptoms suffered by those who are dying and the need to provide comfort and relief when they need it most.