Newly-elected Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is leading the charge on medicinal cannabis, hoping to legalise the drug for patients in need by the end of 2015.

Products such as cannabis oil are used to treat conditions including epilepsy and provide relief from suffering for some cancer patients.

However, the plant remains illegal throughout Australia, and Mr Andrews said on the TODAY Show he was determined to see that change.

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"We need to drag this law into the 21st century and we need to make sure we never put parents in that terrible situation where they either save their child or obey Victorian law," he said.

"I think the community is ready for this change."

Mr Andrews said he would this morning send a reference to the Victorian Law Reform Commission, which would be back on his desk by August next year.

He hoped new legislation would make it through Parliament by the end of 2015.

The new laws will not completely legalise the drug, but it will be made available to patients in need.

"Victoria is happy to lead the way," Mr Andrews said.

However, he hoped other states and territories would soon jump on board.