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