Medical Cannabis Debate

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Department: Home Office

Medical Cannabis

Stephen Pound Excerpts
Tuesday 20th February 2018

(6 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Hurd Portrait Mr Hurd
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I totally understand the hon. Lady’s point, which underlines why the WHO is undertaking its work. I am sure she will agree, however, that cannabis products must be treated in the same way as all other drugs. That means going through the normal testing procedures that apply to any other medicine.

Stephen Pound Portrait Stephen Pound (Ealing North) (Lab)
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May I help the Minister and suggest that he speak with his colleague the Secretary of State for Health and ask about the extensive trial, known as delta-9, which took place in the Royal Marsden hospital 40 years ago? Cannabis was found to be an excellent prophylactic against nausea caused by ontological medicine. The data is there. The empirical evidence is there. Why does he not save time and trouble by having a word with the Secretary of State and drawing this information to the attention of the House? Let us resolve this matter once and for all.

Nick Hurd Portrait Mr Hurd
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The hon. Gentleman will understand why I approach any offer of help from him with caution, but in this case I will certainly discuss the evidence he mentions with my colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care. We need to proceed on the basis of evidence, because of the need for safety.