|
Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
|
|
UK: Carry On With The Cannabis
David Blackhurst This is Staffordshire
Thursday 21 Feb 2002 Police today gave a "breakthrough" undertaking that could allow multiple sclerosis sufferers to use cannabis free of the fear of prosecution. The Staffordshire force has guaranteed to a specialist that his patients who smoke the drug to ease their symptoms will be treated as a "low priority". MS patients are interpreting the statement as an indication they can use the drug without major fears of being pursued through the courts. It comes amid clinical trials backed by the Government to see if cannabis can benefit patients with MS and other neurological conditions. Dr Simon Ellis, director of neuro-sciences at North Staffordshire Hospital, wrote to Chief Constable John Giffard for clarification over about six of his patients whose carers buy the drug illegally. The reply stopped short of giving an outright amnesty to patients and carers. But Dr Ellis said: "I am delighted the police have written back to say they will treat anyone smoking cannabis for medical reasons as a low priority. "The force made it clear that possession is still an offence but said it was mainly interested in people supplying and using hard drugs." Dr Ellis, the head of one of Britain's top specialist centres in MS, contacted the police on behalf of a male patient who was worried about breaking the law to ease his pain. He said: "He is an extremely respectable and law-abiding citizen who would worry about even getting a parking ticket. "Yet he was being forced to break the law and use cannabis to ease his symptoms. He was understandably very worried about this situation. "I feel this statement of policy from Staffordshire Police will be of great help to his and others' peace of mind. "I have about half a dozen patients who use cannabis because of their illness. "Until the clinical trails are complete, we will not have a definitive answer to the question of cannabis. "But from my patients, there is convincing anecdotal evidence it helps. "On the other hand, I know of patients who do not like it at all and would never use it." The police undertaking was welcomed by MS patients' leaders in Staffordshire who described it as a "breakthrough". Eric Budworth, chairman of the North Staffordshire Multiple Sclerosis Society, said: "I know people who smoke cannabis because they say the legal consequences cannot possibly be as bad as the condition itself not being controlled by cannabis. "I am told it calms them a lot and by doing so it reduces the frequency of spasms, which are very painful." A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "Our top priority on drugs is the impact abusers and suppliers are having on housing estates. "As for the policy on cannabis use for medical reasons, our response to Dr Ellis reflects that."
After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.
|
This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.
Feel free to link to this page!