PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice is stepping up his campaign to legalise cannabis to help the sick.

His wants health ministers to look again at allowing doctors to prescribe the drug - currently among the most strictly controlled in the country and listed alongside raw opium and LSD. He is teaming up with Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell and leading academics for discussions with health minister Paul Boeteng on December 8.

Their case will be backed up by evidence from a British Medical Association report which says cannabinoids - cannabis derivatives - have medical uses.

Mr Prentice said: "I am keeping my fingers crossed that we may be able to make some progress on the back of the BMA report which is likely to be helpful in moving the debate forward."

The MP is secretary of the All Party Multiple Sclerosis group in the House of Commons.

He added: "There is no doubt in my mind that cannabis and cannabis derivatives can help people cope with a variety of medical conditions.

"The drug has for centuries been regarded as having therapeutic value even if, these days, its efficacy is challenged.

"There is masses of anecdotal evidence from people suffering from MS, for example, which backs the claim that the drug really works.

"It can help reduce tremors and spasms and ease movement. Some people with Aids say it improves their appetite. It can help in the treatment of glaucoma.

"Tragically, because its medical use is unlawful it makes research much more difficult than it need be because a special Home Office licence is needed for any drug trial.

"There is a powerful case for taking cannabis into the Schedule 2 list of controlled drugs with medicinal use, such as morphine and amphetamines, allowing qualified doctors lawfully to prescribe drugs they believe will benefit patients."

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