Medical Cannabis (Access) Bill 2021-22


make provision about access to cannabis for medical reasons; and for connected purposes.

Private Members' Bill (Ballot Bill)

What is this Bill?

The Medical Cannabis (Access) Bill was a Ballot Bill tabled by Jeff Smith.

Is this Bill currently before Parliament?

No. This Bill is not under active consideration by Parliament, as it was introduced during the previous 2021-22 Session.

Whose idea is this Bill?

As a Private Members' Bill, this Bill represents the individual initiative of an MP (Jeff Smith), not the Government.

What type of Bill is this?

20 Ballot Bills places are awarded by lottery to backbench MP's at the start of each Session. These Bills receive precedence for debate in the Commons and a handful will succeed in becoming enacted into law.

The higher chance of success means MPs who win a ballot slot are frequently lobbied by groups wishing to have legislation tabled on their behalf, but the choice of bill ultimately remains with the MP.

So is this going to become a law?

No. This Bill did not complete it's passage before the Session completed and is no longer before Parliament. However, it may have been re-introduced under a similar name in a subsequent Session.

How can I find out exactly what this Bill does?

The most straightforward information is contained in the initial Explanatory Notes for the Bill.

Would you like to know more?

See these Glossary articles for more information: Ballot Bill, Private Members Bill, Process of a Bill

Sponsor: Jeff Smith (Lab)

Official Bill Page Initial Explanatory Notes Initial Briefing papers

Next Event: There is no future stage currently scheduled for this bill

Last Event: Friday 6th May 2022 - 2nd reading (Commons)

Bill Progession through Parliament

Commons - 40%

Latest Key documents

Briefing paper
08/12/2021
Explanatory Note
08/12/2021