"It is deeply disappointing that the government has denied legislation that will restore dignity to those people seeking temporary relief from the pain and suffering of their affliction," Opposition leader Luke Foley said in a statement.

At present people who buy cannabis to alleviate pain from chronic or terminal illness can face penalties under the NSW Crimes Act.

reference: http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/08/10/17/10/nsw-medical-cannabis-bill-extinguished

The following is written by Bob Darley (weed it and weep)

"It is deeply disappointing"  I would go as far as to say shameful of the government.
Cannabis should be decriminalised in Australia nationally, not just in the Act, SA (not counting WA and NT)
Cannabis can not be divided into the two categories recreational and medicinal, the plant is medicinal, that's it.
The only difference between difference between "Medical Cannabis" and recreational is the standardisation and the laws prevent this in the "recreational" category.
Regardless of the information above, Cannabis users don't deserve to be classed as criminals, so please take a minute to click on the decriminalise cannabis petition below this article.
We all have loved ones, relatives and people we know who use cannabis for various reasons and we know in our hearts THEY ARE NOT CRIMINALS.
Criminals are people who hurt another human, rapists, murderers, thieves, these are criminals.