§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the meeting held on 10 March between the Chief Medical Officer and departmental officials and the BMA called to discuss the report on the therapeutic uses of cannabis. [40008]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Chief Medical Officer met British Medical Association representatives to discuss future action on the BMA report "Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis" on 10 March. There was agreement on the importance of encouraging research on cannabinoids because of the potential benefits for people with multiple sclerosis and those with chronic pain, especially during terminal care. Research could take place within existing legislation and the Chief Medical Officer confirmed that the Home Office and Medicines Control Agency are prepared to look sympathetically at bona fide research proposals.