It’s right to review medicinal cannabis

HOME Secretary Sajid Javid’s decision to review the medical use of cannabis could be an example of an outbreak of common sense at the top of government.

Desperate parents whose children suffer from rare conditions know that in other parts of the world cannabis-based treatments are available. Any mum or dad whose son or daughter suffered scores of seizures in a single day would want to take every possible step to relieve their suffering.

At present, cannabis is a “schedule one” drug, which means it is deemed to have no therapeutic value and cannot be legally prescribed or possessed. This contrasts with other developed countries where procedures are in place to permit the medical use of cannabis.

There are plenty of people who will make the case for legalising the recreational use of cannabis, but that is a separate matter. What is at stake is ensuring that potentially effective forms of treatment reach people in need.

The country has been moved by the cases of Alfie Dingley and Billy Caldwell – and MPs have heard of how Welsh children Jace NewtonSealey and Charlie Jones, who suffer regular seizures, could also benefit from cannabis-based treatment.

If cannabidiol – a component in cannabis which is distinct from tetrahydrocannabinol, which gives the sensation of feeling “high” – truly has the potential to help people suffering from severe epilepsy, then the UK should be at the forefront of research in this area.

Other people will seek cannabis to relieve pain. Newport West MP Paul Flynn is in the process of trying to change the law to allow its medical use through a Private Member’s Bill.

It is clear that many otherwise law-abiding individuals are prepared to turn to cannabis in search of an end to their suffering. In these cases, users found anecdotal stories about the possible relief of symptoms more compelling than concerns about side-effects.

If there are benefits to be reaped, scientists should go to work to extract the effective elements of cannabis and properly regulated products should be available on the NHS. This is infinitely preferable to people seeking out drugdealers.

There are valid concerns about the negative side-effects of cannabis, especially high-strength varieties. But it is time to think with clarity and compassion about its therapeutic potential.