§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects Government research into the use of cannabis for medical purposes to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [128765]
§ Mr. DenhamThere are currently two trials underway. The first, a three-year study to attempt to measure the therapeutic efforts of cannabis extract in people with multiple sclerosis, is due to report early in 2004. This study has received £950,000 from the Medical Research Council.
The second trial is being managed by GW Pharmaceuticals Ltd. with the aim of developing a cannabis-based medicine. Initial findings from this trial are expected later this year.