Medical Cannabis Debate

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Department: Home Office

Medical Cannabis

Paula Sherriff Excerpts
Tuesday 20th February 2018

(6 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Hurd Portrait Mr Hurd
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I am not aware of any barriers. What I am aware of is the current regulatory framework, underpinned by expert advice, which continues to be that cannabis in its raw form is not recognised in the UK as having any medicinal benefit. The situation is evolving in other countries and the WHO is looking at it. It is right that we keep an open mind and that we continue to look at the evidence and the precedence from other countries.

Paula Sherriff Portrait Paula Sherriff (Dewsbury) (Lab)
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I declare an interest as the chair of the all-party group on epilepsy and as the daughter of an epilepsy sufferer. In addition to the cost in human misery, can the Minister advise on whether any attempt has been made to estimate the net cost of continuous ineffective treatment for epilepsy sufferers who are denied access to cannabis for medicinal purposes?

Nick Hurd Portrait Mr Hurd
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I think that question is best answered by the Department of Health. What I am keen to register with the House is our determination to try to explore every option within the boundaries of the existing regulations to see whether we can support this case.