Currently, in the UK it is possible to buy some low concentrate version of cannabis oils for medicinal purposes. They must have less than 0.05 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the component in cannabis that gives a “high” feeling.

At the moment cannabis-based drugs that contain THC, such as Sativex has been licensed in the UK to treat MS.

Whether or not medicinal cannabis containing THC will become legal is a complex issue as shown in Billy Caldwell’s case.

Although there has been limited research, there is evidence that medicinal cannabis can;

• Alleviate some side-effects of cancer treatment
• Promote sleep
• Reduce stress, anxiety and depression

In response to the Billy Caldwell case, Dr Amir Englund, who studies cannabis at the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London said: “The duty of government is to protect its citizens from harm with regulations on medicines so that the ones doctors prescribe are safe and effective.”
“However, there are instances which these measures become counterproductive and harmful. This is such an instance, and the Home Office should allow an exemption so that he does not come to further harm.”

Furthermore, Dr Michael Bloomfield, a clinical lecturer in psychiatry at University College London, believes that “Any ‘medical marijuana’ needs a scientific evidence base, in the form of medical trials et cetera, which is currently lacking for many disorders.”

Therefore, it is possible that Home Secretary Javid and the Government will review the law on medicinal cannabis licencing to make it more widely available in these extreme circumstances.