Panel on medicinal cannabis may hinder those seeking to use the drug

A leading professor has accused a new panel assessing claims for medicinal cannabis use in the UK of being “not fit for purpose”.

Mike Barnes, honorary professor of neurological rehabilitation at the University of Newcastle, said the conditions announced by the panel were likely to add barriers to those seeking treatment, and should be urgently reviewed.

The temporary expert panel started accepting applications for licences for the drug from senior clinicians last Wednes- day. It follows public uproar over the confiscation of cannabis oil from Charlotte Caldwell as she attempted to bring it into the UK for her 12-yearold son, Billy.

Billy, who is severely epileptic, was later granted a limited licence for the drug to be administered in hospital for 20 days.

The Home Office announced the panel will make “swift” recommendations to ministers, who will sign off on applications for the drug within two to four weeks.

Doctors will have to show there is an “exceptional clinical need” and that no other medicine would be suitable for their patient in order to convince the panel.

Prof Barnes said: “The announcement of this panel offered hope to thousands of patients across the UK for whom medical cannabis might offer a real and lasting solution to their pain and suffering.

“However, the terms announced are likely to place more barriers to families, including a requirement that patients must have exhausted all other products before receiving access to medical cannabis, which could delay receiving the medication.”