With medicinal cannabis now legalised in NSW, the MIA’s state and federal representatives believe there’s no reason why the area couldn’t be a crop hub for those growing purposes. 

Member for Murray Austin Evans said any crop that could be an option for growers in the MIA should be looked at seriously. 

“It’s certainly an idea I would support,” he said. 

“Obviously it won’t be heavily regulated and things like security would come into play, but I don’t see why it couldn’t happen here. 

“I don’t think it would ever be one of the top five crops grown in our region, but there could be potential there.” 

Certain unregistered cannabis products can now be prescribed and supplied if the prescriber and products meet certain requirements.

At present, it is believed products are being sourced outside of Australia to then be used as medicinal cannabis. 

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said she had always been in favour of cannabis being used for medicinal purposes, especially by those who need it most.

“When legislation passed the parliament permitting its use I labelled medicinal cannabis as the ‘missing piece’ for Australian patients and doctors to ease painful and chronic conditions,” she said.

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“There are clearly times when it can be a wonderful treatment option when nothing else seems to be working.

“I think any farmer who properly researches this as an option and thinks they can make it work, should investigate the possibility.”