Evidence to suggest half of GPs have been asked about medical cannabis in the last year

It's in a study published in today's New Zealand Medical Journal.

Two thirds of survey respondents say their patients are using the drug illegally to manage pain, cancer and palliative care symptoms.

General Practitioners report they'd be likely to prescribe a cannabis product that is regulated and has gone through clinical trials.

But Researcher Dr Karen Oldfield says there are also concerns around the lack of scientific evidence and the confusing regulatory process currently in place.