LORDS' CALL FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS REJECTED

THE Government yesterday rejected fresh demands for the immediate
legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes.

But ministers gave a small ray of hope to sufferers by indicating that
doctors might be allowed to prescribe the drug after extensive clinical
trials.

George Howarth, the Home Office Minister, ruled out a call from the House of
Lords Science and Technology Committee for doctors to prescribe cannabis
now. The peers said thousands of people suffering muscle spasms and terminal
cancer could benefit from the drug's painkilling properties.

Mr Howarth said: "It would be irresponsible to say it's OK to use it but
there is no scientific evidence it will work."

While the Government's position angered patients' groups and some
politicians, the British Medical Association approved, saying that said
making cannabis available on prescription could delay development of more
effective drugs.

Checked-by: Don Beck