United Kingdom: a group of MPs calls for the legalization of medical cannabis

A cross-party group of MPs and peers is calling on the UK to end the «irrational» ban on the use of cannabis as a painkiller, claiming at the same time that it was «unacceptable» for people to be prosecuted while treating themselves.

A parliamentary inquiry, which prompted the request, took the views of 623 patients, representatives of the medical professions and experts on the state of therapeutic cannabis worldwide. The group also commissioned neurologist Prof. Mike Barnes to review the scientific evidence from recent studies.

His report concludes that there is strong evidence that medical cannabis helps relieve symptoms of chronic pain, spasticity (often associated with multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting), and helps manage anxiety.

Professor Barnes commented: «We have analyzed over 20,000 scientific and medical reports. The results are clear. Cannabis has medical benefits for a wide range of medical conditions. I think with more research, it could help even more people. But research is stifled by the current government classification of cannabis, which does not recognize any medical benefits.

Among these 20,000 scientific studies, moderate evidence of efficacy was found for :

• relieve sleep disorders
• stimulate the appetite
• treating fibromyalgia
• help with post-traumatic stress disorder
• delay Parkinson's symptoms

A recent study by the End Our Pain, which is fighting for legal change, has found a public support for reform. Over 68% of respondents agreed with allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis if they considered it could help patients, with only 11% against.

The chairman of the parliamentary group commented: «The conclusions of our survey and reviews of evidence from around the world are clear. Cannabis works as a medicine for a significant number of medical situations. The evidence has been strong enough to persuade more and more countries and states in the U.S. to legalize access to cannabis. to medical cannabis. In this context, the UK's classification of cannabis as having no medical value is irrational».

The co-leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas, who also sits on the parliamentary group, said: «Several hundred thousand people in the UK already take cannabis for medical reasons. It is totally unacceptable that they should have to add the stress of breaking the law to get access to their medicine. It's a question of compassion and human rights. The Government should have the political courage to treat the issue of medical cannabis separately from any wider drug reform, and to act urgently.».