MS groups welcome 'legal cannabis'

Moves towards legalising cannabis for medicinal use were welcomed today by multiple sclerosis support groups.

Nicola Russell, from the Multiple Sclerosis Trust, said: "The decision to refer cannabis to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence is a positive step. Our members say they have enjoyed great benefits from cannabis but have found themselves prosecuted for possessing it. "

MS sufferer Lezley Gibson started smoking the drug more than 10 years ago and has been prosecuted for possession. She said: "It means people who need the medicine like me will be able to get it without being made to feel like a criminal."

Making it available on prescription for pain relief would not conflict with the drug being illegal for recreational use, Health Minister Lord Hunt said today.

Cannabis-based pain relief drugs could be on the NHS within two years, after the Department of Health ordered an assessment making the drugs available on prescription. Hundreds of MS sufferers are already being treated with cannabisbased medicines in clinical trials funded by the Medical Research Council.

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence, which makes recommendations on new drugs, has been asked to evaluate cannabis derivatives for MS sufferers and post-operative patients. A decision is likely by 2005.