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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Charles: Ever Tried Smoking Cannabis?
ccguide Saturday 26 Dec 1998 Source: The Mirror (UK) Copyright: 1998 MGN, Ltd Pubdate: 24 Dec 1998 Contact: Mail: One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AP Website: http://www.mirror.co.uk/ Forum: http://www.mirror.co.uk:80/forum/index.htm Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98.n1193.a04.html http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98.n1190.a08.html http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98.n1193.a03.html CHARLES: EVER TRIED SMOKING CANNABIS? PRINCE Charles asked a multiple sclerosis sufferer if she had ever used cannabis to ease the pain of her illness. The prince fuelled the debate over the medical benefits of the drug when he met wheelchair-bound Karen Drake, 36, at a centre for victims of MS, cancer and motor neurone disease. He asked her: "Have you tried taking cannabis? I've heard it's the best thing for it." Karen admitted yesterday: "I was surprised but I think I would like to at least try it. Anything that can help relieve the pain can only be for the good." Charles, whose interest in organic foods and holistic medicine is well known, made the comment during his annual visit as patron of the Sue Ryder Home charity. He spent two hours chatting with patients. Divorcee Karen, who first met the prince at the home last year, gave him a copy of a Monet painting which took her three months to complete. They talked about their shared love of painting and Charles signed one of Karen's works. She said: "He's really caring and has got time for everyone." The ex-sales assistant, who has a 17-year-old daughter, developed MS 10 years ago. Gillian Rose, appeals co-ordinator at the home in Cheltenham, Gloucs, said: "I presume he mentioned it because it's a talking point for MS sufferers. He is such a nice chap and everyone said it was just like having a friend drop in." Last month, a House of Lords committee recommended a quick change of law to allow doctors to prescribe cannabis to some patients. They also called for more research. The Multiple Sclerosis Society backed the move, but the Government rejected it, insisting on longer clinical trials. Society chief Peter Cardy said: "The prince is right to say some sufferers who take cannabis find relief from unpleasant symptoms. I'd be inclined to think it a doctor's place to make recommendations about trying cannabis as opposed to Prince Charles. "But I don't think the prince is setting himself up as a doctor. For him to be concerned is great. People with MS don't choose to become criminals. It's regrettable that when they find something that works for them they have to deal in the criminal world." A spokeswoman for Charles said: "The prince is aware of the issue of the use of cannabis for MS sufferers." - --- Checked-by: Richard Lake
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