NEWS that a cannabis-based spray is relieving the pain of multiple sclerosis and nerve damaged patients has been given a mixed reception by East Lancashire MPs.

Former Home Secretary Jack Straw, who launched the trial which has produced the result, and Hyndburn's Greg Pope have welcomed the news.

However, Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson has expressed reservations.

Dr William Norcutt, who is running the trial in Norfolk, told a science conference in Glasgow that 17 out of 21 patients had found that their painful symptoms had been eased.

He said the trial were going "very well" and could lead to cannabis-based drugs being available within a few years.

Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP Mr Straw said: "I am pleased at the positive result. I am in favour of herbal-based compounds being used in medicine as long as they are safe.

"If cannabis-based drugs have a medical use and there are no side effects, they should be used. That is why I started the trials in the first place."

Mr Pope said: "I think that if cannabis-based drugs can help MS sufferers and others they should be.

"As many people are suffering, I hope the government will act quickly."

But Mrs Anderson said: "These are very early days. I would need to be convinced that the cannabis-based drugs are safe and effective."

Doctor Norcutt said sprays were more effective than pills and that smoking "joints" would not be an effective way of delivery.

Cannabis had been used in medicine around the world for thousands of years was banned in this country for much of the last century.

There had been few clinical trials of its effectiveness.