I am raising this issue for two reasons. First, I want to separate clearly the use of cannabis or hemp plant for medicinal and recreational purposes. This line is constantly being blurred both by those arguing for the general legalisation of cannabis and those who want its prohibition to continue. It is about time we stated the difference between the potential benefits of agents within the cannabis or hemp plant for medicinal purposes and its use, primarily by smoking, for recreational purposes.
Second, I want to assure parents and others that the potential of introducing cannabis or agents within the cannabis plant for medicinal purposes should not frighten people. If it can be shown that there are clear medical benefits from these agents, we should look carefully at the possibility of changing the law to legalise them. A serious debate on recreational drug use is needed, but first we need to put to bed the issue of cannabis for medicinal purposes which should not be allowed to distract or influence that debate. It is an entirely separate issue.
What is meant by medicinal cannabis? It is likely that cannabis will be legalised for medicinal purposes in the UK within two years. Clinical trials on patients with multiple sclerosis, cancer and arthritis have proved encouraging. Tests on 70 British patients show that an extract of the plant sprayed under the tongue or taken in tablet form can significantly reduce pain, muscle spasms and bladder problems. As the doses used in the trials are relatively low, patients do not experience the so-called "high" which many recreational users seek. Large scale trials involving up to 2,000 patients are under way in the UK and should be completed by 2003.
Cannabis contains active ingredients called cannabinoids which alleviate pain, reduce tremors and prevent incontinence. The drug can be sprayed under the tongue so it is absorbed into the bloodstream rather than being swallowed, inhaled or smoked. The applicator allows patients to regulate their dose depending on their level of illness. It is similar to an inhaler used in the treatment of asthma. The UK Government confirmed to the House of Lords science and technology select committee that it would be willing to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971, to allow the prescription of cannabis-based medicines if trial results continue to be positive.
Many of the health concerns regarding can nabis focus on the toxic effects of cannabis smoke. However, these arguments do not apply as we are not talking about patients smoking cannabis, but taking it in tablet or spray form. Parents or those who view the legalisation of cannabis for medical use as the first step towards the legalisation of the drug generally, are sorely mistaken. According to this rationale, morphine, for example, which is the main agent in heroin, would not be available on prescription as a painkiller. We all recognise the benefits of morphine as a painkiller in extreme circumstances.
The negative aspects of smoking cannabis as a recreational drug are well known and more than convince me that we should not legalise the drug for recreational use under any circumstances. As regards the short-term effects such as memory loss or distorted perception, or the long-term and more important carcinogenic effects, the recreational smoking of cannabis is unacceptable and the drug should not be legalised. However, the medicinal benefits should be examined in detail. We should separate the issues, examine the potential positive effects and support and take an interest in the research under way in the UK. Canada has already legalised the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and I look forward to the Minister of State's response.
