Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge MP James Heappey has this week welcomed the news that cannabis-derived medicinal products will soon be available on prescription from clinicians without a Home Office license.
Mr Heappey says he’s been contacted by several constituents who have been in need of the medicine and seen significant improvements as a result of using cannabis-based products abroad.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid has now sought advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) about how to introduce the availability of medicinal cannabis on prescription.
Mr Javid said his intention is to ensure a system is in place which enables those in need to have access to the most appropriate course of medical treatment.
Mr Heappey told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I have seen first-hand from constituents who have attended my surgeries about this issue and the use of medicinal cannabis to relieve pain and so I am very glad we have moved quickly in order to make this available on prescription from qualified clinicians who believe it is the best form of medicine for the patient.”
“Of course, there will always be people who say this blurs the lines between recreational and medicinal use. However, I do not accept this. I remain opposed to cannabis for recreational use and this is just about benefitting those who are in pain from medical conditions which require this kind of treatment.”
“As Mr Javid said in his briefing to MPs, this has never been about the legalisation or decriminalisation of cannabis and the penalties for unlawful possession, supply or production will remain unchanged.”
“I know many people will be relieved the Government has taken this action.”
