Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Medical Cannabis Prescriptions For Children With Severe Conditions

03 November 2021 · 0 other contributors · 574 words

Opened by Mike Penning Con Hemel Hempstead

Responding minister: Not recorded

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Mike Penning raised concerns about medical cannabis prescriptions for children with severe conditions in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about lack of clarity in prescribing medical cannabis for children with severe conditions
  • Consultants face pressure not to sign prescriptions and potential disciplinary action for doing so
  • Calls for review of current policy to ensure consultants are not discouraged from prescribing medical cannabis

Key requests to Government

I urge the medical profession to take responsibility and support these children's survival by prescribing medical cannabis when necessary. I also call for a review of the current policy framework to ensure that consultants are not discouraged from issuing prescriptions due to fear of repercussions or employer refusal.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Mike Penning Con Hemel Hempstead

I am concerned about the lack of clarity in the prescription of medical cannabis for children and young adults with severe conditions, despite previous Home Office promises to allow its prescribed use. The debate highlights that some brave consultants are under enormous pressure not to sign prescriptions, while others who wish to prescribe it face potential disciplinary action or refusal from their employers to honour the prescription.

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