§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will introduce an amendment to the criminal law to permit the use of cannabis for palliative care of the terminally ill as part of a prescribed course of medical treatment. [HL1427]
§ Lord Williams of MostynIf and when the benefits of a cannabis-based medicine are scientifically demonstrated and a marketing authorisation issued by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), the Government would be willing to propose amendment of the misuse of drugs legislation to allow the prescription of such a medicine. It would not be right to amend the misuse of drugs legislation to allow the prescription of a cannabis-based medicine, or any other potential medicine, unless or until its quality, efficacy and safety have been established.