SHERIFF'S MERCY FOR MS SUFFERER CAUGHT WITH CANNABIS

A SHERIFF has shown mercy to a cannabis-hoarding teacher after
hearing she used it to treat multiple sclerosis.

Sheila Phillips, 62, was caught red-handed with almost half a kilo
of the class B drug, valued at UKP700.

The art teacher, who works at a school for the handicapped, told
police she had been eating it to ease chronic pain caused by MS.

Cannabis has been shown in studies to help ease pain in several conditions.

Phillips, of Carluke, Lanarkshire, was diagnosed with the
degenerative disease 11 years ago and admitted using cannabis for two years.

The court heard that Phillips had been using cannabis to try and
control spasms caused by her condition.

Her GP and neurologist both knew she was taking the drug, which she
bought in large amounts to keep the costs low.

Sheriff Nikola Stewart fined the mother of two just UKP500, claiming
her judgment was influenced by Phillips' medical condition. But
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Bill Aitken MSP last night said:
"Bearing in mind the quantities of drugs involved, I would have
expected the Sheriff to call for further investigation into the case.

"It could be that Sheila Phillips had obtained the bulk of the drug
for her own use but it would be interesting to know how long it would
take her to use half a kilo of cannabis." Studies suggest that
cannabis?and?cannabis-based medicines can provide effective pain
relief for those suffering from illnesses.

It is also thought to help fight nausea and vomiting in the advanced
stages of both cancer and AIDS. Campaigners also claim that the drug
can be useful in treating diseases such as asthma, strokes,
Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease.

But Doctor Jayne Spink, Director of Policy & Research at the MS
Society, said: "We know that some people with MS use cannabis, but
smoking street cannabis can expose you to toxic chemicals and you
can't control the dose.

"The MS Society does not endorse the use of illegal cannabis to
combat symptoms of MS."

Twelve years ago, Prince Charles surprised onlookers by asking a MS
sufferer 'Have you tried cannabisUKP' during a visit to a day care centre.

Wheelchair-bound Karen Drake, 48, was told by the Prince that he had
heard the drug was 'the best thing' for MS.