A landmark case... but we need more research

THIS is a landmark first case of using medical marijuana in the UK under medical supervision. The regulatory body, the MHRA, has approved the prescription of drugs containing cannabidiol for medical purposes, and the GP who prescribed this did so as a one-off.

The GP felt he was prescribing this in the best interests of the patient. We make decisions like this with other unlicensed medications: it is the responsibility of one doctor acting for one patient to make this judgment call.

I have used the same call myself

with patients who have been prescribed medicines abroad that are not used here, where there is a good history that they have worked and have been safe.

What could be groundbreaking about this case is the impact now on marijuana use in terms of legislation and research.

We still do not know how cannabis oil can have this positive effect: this is only one case but may be held as evidence to push forward research and usage. Campaigners believe there are too many obstacles to looking at cannabis use properly.

Lobbyists on both sides have polarised the debate. It is seen as either a miracle cure or a dangerous drug.

Cases such as this illustrate that we need to look for the middle ground, and explore research, safe use and the potential to benefit patients.