Dublin's Health Minister Simon Harris has given the green light for the use of cannabis in certain circumstances. Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

PBP Foyle Assembly candidate Eamonn McCann said a similar move already under way in the south, initiated by his party colleague Gino Kenny TD, provided a model for the North.

Gino Kenny last month became the first representative in Ireland to steer a measure on cannabis law reform through parliament, winning support from other political parties.

Mr McCann said the measure has been developed in a 32-county context, and forms the basis of a bill intended to be proposed by PBP in the next session at Stormont.

The thrust of the bill is to make cannabis legally available under medical supervision for chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer, MS and fibrmyalgia and to alleviate symptoms of a number of other illnesses.

People Before Profit Foyle candidate Eamonn McCann said: “We are the only party in Stormont or the Dail which has faced up squarely to the need to change in this area and brought forward a bill to deal with it.

“That said, we are pleased that others came on board in the Dail. We hope for similar broad support here.

“There is a great deal of hysteria about cannabis preventing rational discussion of the pros and cons. Gino’s bill may only be a mild measure.