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Medicinal Cannabis
06 September 2021
Lead MP
Christine Jardine
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSTaxationLocal Government
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Christine Jardine raised concerns about medicinal cannabis in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Christine Jardine spoke about the frustration and disappointment regarding the legalisation of medicinal cannabis, highlighting the case of her constituent Murray Grey who suffers from a rare form of epilepsy. She detailed how despite progress made in 2018 to legalise cannabis oil for medicinal use, families still face significant challenges accessing this treatment on the NHS, often having to fund it privately at costs up to £2,000 per month. Jardine emphasised the importance of addressing red tape and inflexible guidelines that prevent medical professionals from prescribing the needed medication. She urged the government to take action now to support these families.
Mike Penning
Con
Hemel Hempstead
Penning recounted his involvement in legalising medicinal cannabis and expressed frustration that despite initial progress, children continue to struggle accessing treatment. He highlighted the cases of Alfie Dingley and other children who have benefited from medicinal cannabis but are still facing challenges due to bureaucratic obstacles.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon spoke about his constituent, Sophia, whose life had significantly improved with the use of medicinal cannabis. He urged the government to cover prescriptions beyond September and support further clinical research.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
Blunt discussed the broader context of UK drugs policy, advocating for evidence-based decision-making regarding medical cannabis and other psychoactive substances. He highlighted the need for better institutions to advise on drug control policies.
Ronnie Cowan
SNP
Inverclyde
Cowan emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue, pointing out that despite promises made in 2019, children are still struggling due to bureaucratic hurdles and financial constraints. He urged for a legal framework enabling GPs to prescribe cannabis-based medical products.
Government Response
Churchill acknowledged the complexity of the issue and thanked contributors for their speeches, highlighting the needs of affected children. She addressed concerns about access to NHS prescriptions, emphasising the need for an evidence base beyond observational trials. The Minister explained efforts made to reduce costs for families accessing private treatments, noting constraints due to international treaties and legal restrictions on exporting cannabis oils from the Netherlands. Churchill detailed ongoing clinical trials and research aimed at expanding the use of medicinal cannabis, including support for trials comparing cannabis oil with placebos. She reiterated the importance of robust evidence before prescribing new medications, while expressing sympathy for parents' frustrations.
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House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.