THE Andrews Government has harvested Australia’s first medical cannabis crop. ­

Canberra has also given the green light for a commercial company to also start growing plants.

The cannabis, planted at a ­secret site last April, will be ­reserved for children with ­severe epilepsy this year.

The crop is now being tested and formulated in preparation for the first patients.

Victoria last year became the first Australian state to legalise cannabis for medicinal purposes.

The Andrews Government has harvested Australia’s first medical cannabis crop. Picture: Supplied

The Andrews Government has harvested Australia’s first medical cannabis crop. Picture: Supplied

The Office of Drug Control on Tuesday awarded the first Federal Government licence to Melbourne based Cann Group to legally cultivate and conduct research on the plants.

Cann Group chairman Allan McCallum said he was confident of securing a further licence to cultivate its crop to manufacture and sell medicinal cannabis in Australia.

“The licence allows us to apply for a permit to progress our research and development programs, which are particularly focused on the breeding, cultivation, extraction and characterisation of cannabinoids,” he said.

“It will also mean we can further discussions we have under way with a number of leading Australian research and technology organisations to access additional expertise and resources.”

The Andrews Government has harvested Australia’s first medical cannabis crop. Picture: Supplied

The Andrews Government has harvested Australia’s first medical cannabis crop. Picture: Supplied

Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said the state’s ­scientists had broken new ground.

“Every step along the way takes us closer to being able to provide product to Victorians who need it the most,” she said.

Construction has also been completed on a cultivation and manufacturing facility for supplying cannabis to patients.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said medicinal cannabis made a profound difference on the lives of sick children.

“We promised Victorians they would be able to access this life-changing treatment.

“Every day brings us one step closer to delivering on this Australian-first commitment,” she said.