State urged to start cannabis trial

West Australians suffering from severe health problems have put pressure on the State Government to consider a clinical trial into the use of medical cannabis.

The New South Wales Government announced late last year it would set up a clinical trial, due to begin next year, using the controversial plant.

However, Health Minister Dr Kim Hames said the trials would not happen in WA anytime soon.

"It's my understanding that there is evidence supporting the benefits of cannabis extracts in the treatment of a range of conditions, but the evidence still needs to be of sufficient scientific quality to definitely answer questions about safety and efficacy," he said.

"There's no point all states doing the same sort of trials at the same time, so WA is waiting on the results of the NSW trials as agreed by health ministers last year.

"If other States want to do their own trial, that's fine.

"WA has offered our support to the other States and we are keen to see the outcomes of the research."

NSW Premier Mike Baird told Parliament last year his opinion of medical cannabis had changed after he had met a terminally ill man.

The trial, which is expected to cost the Government $9 million, will first test the drug on children with severe epilepsy who had not responded to conventional medicine.

Trials will then be conducted on adults with terminal illness and people with nausea induced by chemotherapy.

The NSW Government is looking at ways to address issues of supply and distribution for the trial and decriminalising cannabis for those who are on a terminally ill patients' register.

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan has beenn a supporter of medicinal cannabis for those suffering with illness and pain in the past.

He said there was a way to help people without softening drug laws.

"We support medicinal cannabis being prescribed under the strict supervision of medical practitioners for patients suffering painful terminal or chronic pain conditions," he said.

"West Australians should not be forced to suffer in pain when there could be other options that may assist in treating their symptoms.

"The Liberals should do the right thing and sign WA up to the trials.

"We want our State to be a leader in medical research and a part of a solution that could help people suffering in pain."