§ 17. Mrs. GormanTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has to legalise cannabis. [153318]
§ Marjorie MowlamThe Government have a clear and consistent policy towards all illicit drugs based on the evidence of the harm they cause.
276WCannabis is a controlled drug for scientific reasons. We are still learning about the health risks, including chronic health effects such as the risk of cancer. The Government will keep the evidence under review.
As far as cannabis use for medicinal purposes is concerned, the UK is leading the world in research into the possible medical benefits of cannabis derivatives.
The Government are supporting a major research project which will be concluded within the next two years. If the current clinical trials into cannabis are successful and lead to the development of an effective cannabis-based medicine which is granted a marketing authorisation by the Medicines Control Agency, the Government have made it clear that they would be willing to amend the misuse of drugs regulations to allow such a medicine to be prescribed by doctors.