Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the cost of prescribed cannabis for medical purposes does not constitute a barrier to access for disabled people.

There are extensive arrangements in place in England to ensure that prescriptions are affordable for everyone. Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and there are wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place for which those with medical conditions may be eligible.

The Department does not make provision for the funding of medicines outside of the National Health Service’s commissioning systems and it remains that the cost of treatments sought privately are the responsibility of patients.

Pricing in the private market is a matter for individual companies and for private providers.