LEGALISATION OF MEDICINAL CANNABIS

That this House welcomes the Government's decision in principle in 2001 to legalise the medicinal use of cannabis, subject to the recommendation of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency; but expresses its disappointment over the protracted delay in the approval process; believes that victims of the excruciating symptoms of multiple sclerosis and other conditions for whom cannabis offers their only relief should be allowed to make their own decisions as to whether the possible risks from medicinal cannabis pose a greater threat to their health than the disease from which they suffer; and calls on the Government to show compassion in authorising the controlled production and prescription of cannabis for medicinal use.