§ Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to re-schedule natural cannabis for medicinal use. [2371]
§ Mr. Bob Ainsworth[holding answer 9 July 2001]: We have no plans at present. The Government have made it clear that they would be willing to amend the misuse of drugs legislation, to allow the prescribing of a cannabis-based medicine, if current clinical trials into the therapeutic benefits of cannabis are scientifically established and lead to a medical preparation which is approved by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA).
It would be premature to amend the legislation unless and until the quality, safety and efficacy of such a medicine have been demonstrated and a marketing authorisation has been issued for it by the MCA.