EVER TRIED CANNABIS? PRINCE ASKS MS SUFFERER

Anti-establishment forces campaigning to legalise cannabis could be joined
by an altogether more orthodox figure - the Prince of Wales has hinted that
he approves of its use as an alternative method of pain relief.

During a visit to a day care centre this week he suggested to a multiple
sclerosis sufferer that cannabis might ease her crippling pain.

Karen Drake, confined to a wheelchair by her illness, met Prince Charles at
the Sue Ryder Home in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, when he made the
informal visit on Sunday.

After asking after her health, the prince inquired whether she had
experimented with alternative remedies. "He asked me if I had tried taking
cannabis, saying he understood that, under strict medical supervision, it
was one of the best things for it," she said yesterday.

Ms Drake, aged 36, admitted she was was somewhat taken aback; she told him
she had never tried the drug and pointed out that it was illegal. But she
had felt touched by his concern. "I was surprised that he asked me, but it
was nice of him to be so considerate. It showed that he had thought about
the condition, and knew what was helpful.

"I've never tried it in the past because it is not legal. But I'd give
anything a chance if it worked."

Yesterday a spokeswoman for Prince Charles declined to comment on remarks
which she said had been made during a private visit. But she said: "Prince
Charles is aware of the issue of the use of cannabis for MS sufferers.
Health is one of his major portfolios, and I think people would be
surprised if he wasn't aware of the debate on the treatment of MS sufferers."

Prince Charles, who as an adolescent experimented with nothing stronger
than cherry brandy, did not suggest the drug be decriminalised.
Nevertheless, campaigners for legalisation seized on his comments.

Paul Flynn, Labour MP for Newport West, said: "It is splendid advice from a
most unexpected source.

"The Government is in a tiny minority on this issue, but I am encouraged to
learn that the high level of popular support for the use of cannabis for
medicinal purposes has reached Buckingham Palace."

Rob Christopher, founder of the Free Medical Marijuana Foundation, which
supplies free cannabis by post to MS sufferers, added: "Cannabis is a very
effective way of controlling muscle spasms, improving bladder control, and
as a relief from the pain - which can be crippling for MS sufferers. It is
excellent to hear that someone in such a high position in society is
thinking about its advantages and is willing to speak openly about it."

The Multiple Sclerosis Society reacted more cautiously. Peter Cardy, the
charity's chief executive, said: "The prince is right to say some sufferers
who take cannabis find relief from the unpleasant symptoms. I would be
inclined to think it a doctor's place, as opposed to that of Prince
Charles, to make recommendations about trying cannabis."

The society is not opposed in principle to cannabis, but recommends it
should be subjected to thorough clinical trials like any other drug before
becoming freely available to sufferers.

Prince Charles is not the first member of the royal family to support use
of cannabis as medicine. Queen Victoria is said to have used it to ease
period pains.

Checked-by: Richard Lake