NSW medical cannabis bill extinguished

A bid to decriminalise medical cannabis has been shot down by the NSW government.

Legislation put forward by Labor to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of cannabis for treatment of chronic and serious medical conditions was voted down on Thursday.

"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.