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 Interior minister Sajid Javid said on Thursday that specialist
physicians would be able to prescribe cannabis-derived medicinal
products from the autumn. Recreational use will remain prohibited.
The decision follows the high-profile case of a 12-year-old boy with
severe epilepsy who was denied access to cannabis oil, which
prompted a national debate and reviews by experts.
"Recent cases involving sick children made it clear to me that our
position on cannabis-related medicinal products was not
satisfactory," Javid said.
"Following advice from two sets of independent advisers, I have
taken the decision to reschedule cannabis-derived medicinal products
– meaning they will be available on prescription."
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Scientists say evidence is growing that cannabis can ease epilepsy
and other conditions - such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and
chemotherapy-induced nausea - prompting renewed interest in the
field.
Last month GW Pharmaceuticals, which has spent 20 years developing
medicines from cannabis, won U.S. Food and Drug Administration for
the first marijuana plant-derived drug.
Several countries, including Germany, Italy and Denmark, already
allow the prescription of medicinal cannabis and last month Canada
became the second country in the world to fully legalize marijuana,
ending 90 years of prohibition.
(Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
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