The New South Wales premier has refused to rule out cannabis reform, but said he doesn't currently have a "mandate" to make "policy change".
Chris Minns today said any proposed changes, including altering drug-driving laws, would need to be informed by NSW Police and experts.
"It's a difficult one to ensure that you've got compliance with road safety rules in place, and that someone isn't inhibited behind the wheel of a car," he said.
"So I'm not prepared to give that assurance or make that policy change on the run."
In 2019 then-transport minister Mr Minns spoke at a Labor Party gathering in favour of the legalisation of cannabis.
In a statement to the ABC, his office said the comments were made "well before prescriptions for medicinal cannabis were as widely available".
"In light of that, the views of the Premier have changed and there is no proposal to introduce new laws."
Upper house MP Rose Jackson, a minister in the Minns government, has been vocal about her views on decriminalising the drug, but insists it's not a priority.
Mr Minns said MPs were entitled to their view, but decisions were made as a collective.
"I think people understand that government policy decision is made by the Cabinet, and the leadership of the NSW Labor Party," he said.
"We welcome debate on any policy."
The Premier did, however, reaffirm his pre-election commitment to hold a drug summit, bringing together experts, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.
"We do have a drug summit coming up, it's important that we allow that process to run.
"I think it's also important to note that I don't have a mandate from the people of NSW to make that policy change and I'm acutely aware of that.
"If I did have a mandate then the circumstances would be different."
Varying rules across States and Territories
Drug laws in other states and territories are different, particularly in Queensland where parliament is poised to pass new rules.
Changes in Queensland will expand on the police drug diversion program, widening the scope to include all drugs.
The program was originally for people found with a small quantity of cannabis, it gives them three chances before being issued with a court notice.
In the ACT, cannabis is not legal, but it has been decriminalised, with penalties removed for adults who possess or use small amounts.
In Victoria, drug-driving laws could be overhauled for medicinal cannabis users, with both major parties backing a push by the Legalise Cannabis Party.
For the first time in NSW, the Legalise Cannabis Party has been elected to the upper house, with candidate Jeremy Buckingham officially elected yesterday.
Mr Minns is aware the make-up of the upper house will force the state government into being flexible in its approach.
"It'll be challenging, legislation through the lower house and the upper house will be challenging, I'm not anticipating it to be an easy ride," he said.
"I guess if you look at it, it's roughly 50 per cent parties affiliated to the left and the centre left, and 50 per cent parties affiliated to the right and the centre right.
"I reckon that's roughly where the people of NSW are."
