HC Deb 17 November 2003 vol 413 c576W
Paul Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to accelerate the process to allow the prescription of medicinal cannabis. [138354]

Dr. Ladyman

A marketing authorisation has not yet been issued for cannabis for pain relief use. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will consider any application for a medicinal product containing cannabinoids for the treatment of spasticity and other symptoms related to multiple sclerosis.

Like any other medicinal product, however, cannabis-based medicines can only be granted a marketing authorisation for medical purposes when supporting data have been submitted to demonstrate that the quality, safety and efficacy of the product are satisfactory for the intended use.

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