On 30 January 2025, Members of Parliament convened in Westminster Hall to deliberate on the topic of medicinal cannabis. The debate, initiated by Jim Shannon, aimed to shed light on the significant impact medicinal cannabis can have on patients, their families, and the broader economy. Shannon emphasized the need for consistency in access, stating that decisions should not be influenced by a patient’s postcode. He advocated for coherent policies to ensure wider access to medicinal cannabis for those who could benefit under specific medical circumstances.
Susan Murray, representing Mid Dunbartonshire, highlighted the UK’s outdated perception of cannabis, which often associates the substance with criminality rather than recognizing its therapeutic potential. She pointed out that this stigma sometimes forces individuals who acknowledge its medical benefits into unlawful situations.
Despite the compelling arguments presented, health authorities concluded the debate by reiterating the need for more comprehensive evidence to support the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medications. They emphasized that while anecdotal accounts are valuable, robust clinical data is essential to inform policy changes and ensure patient safety.
The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges in balancing regulatory caution with patient access to potentially beneficial treatments. As the conversation around medicinal cannabis evolves, the call for rigorous research and evidence-based policy remains central to the debate.