KATY Gallagher has welcomed the announcement of a clinical trial of medicinal cannabis to be led by New South Wales.

The Chief Minister confirmed the ACT would work with NSW on the Commonwealth-backed study.

“The NSW Premier and I discussed the clinical trial at Friday’s COAG meeting and agreed the ACT would be a part of this important research,” Katy said.

“I am pleased that today’s announcement means we will now see all jurisdictions work together on a national approach to this complex issue.”

In September, the Chief Minister wrote to NSW Premier Mike Baird to propose the ACT join the state’s trial and wrote to Commonwealth Health Minister Peter Dutton to call for a national policy response.

“The ACT Government is sympathetic to those suffering from terminal illness and the calls by their loved ones to legalise cannabis products to ease their suffering.

“However health officials have raised concerns about the lack of evidence to support the use of cannabis for medical purposes, possible adverse side effects and the need for a regulated clinical trial to take place before a final decision can be made.

“This clinical trial should give us a solid evidence base from which to make an informed decision,” the Chief Minister concluded.