Most British MPs Back Cannabis Legalisation

The results of the poll conducted by the Populus market research company are quite unequivocal in this respect. The survey it carried out for VolteFace, an institution exploring alternatives to British public policies on drugs, showed that 58% of the 108 MPs who responded were openly in favour of the measures proposed for the legalisation of medicinal marijuana.

Supporters of this change run the gamut of all parliamentary caucuses and even include such prominent figures as former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and former health minister Daniel Poulter. Among those surveyed, only 27% objected to this proposal.

Among the parliamentary groups, the Scottish National Party proved the most supportive, as 88% of its MPs were in favour and none voiced any opposition to the measure. As for the two major parties, Labour support is at 60% while that from Conservatives is slightly lower, dropping to 55%.

Nevertheless, neither the Conservative nor the Labour Party has officially expressed its support for the legalisation of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. In contrast, the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats have already stepped forward to defend the rights of patients who use cannabis in their therapies. In fact, early this year, the latter party went as far as to officially support the legalisation of recreational use.

Even if the support from MPs represents an important advance in the direction of legislative change, it is necessary that the parties officially state their favourable stance towards legalization.

It is estimated that approximately one million people living in United Kingdom use cannabis for medical reasons. This, in turn, means that about one million British citizens live in fear of being arrested and prosecuted for purchasing their treatment at the black market or growing it at home. Daniel Poulter, who served as health minister from September 2012 until the last election, has expressed his full support for the medical use of cannabis . "This is about ensuring the provision of better care and support for those living with chronic pain, long-term degenerative conditions and, in some cases, people being cared for at the end of their life," he says.

The last time British MPs debated the legalisation of medical cannabis was last October. On that occasion, the measure was rejected by justice ministers. A high percentage of British society remains, however, in favour of legalization. The End Our Pain campaign has managed to get thousands of people, including the likes of Richard Branson and Joanna Lumley, to sign its petition.

Its spokesman, Peter Carroll has stated: "The End Our Pain campaign is fighting hard to get enough MPs on side to get the law changed, and this poll gives us grounds for optimism. The result shows that Parliament shares our view that people who take cannabis for medical reasons are patients, not criminals."

The results of the poll have therefore been well received by British patients. However, although there can be no doubt that the support from MPs represents an important advance in the direction of legislative change, it is necessary that the parties officially state their favourable stance towards legalization. This is why the British people and their politicians are now, more than ever, raising and uniting their voices so that this change becomes a reality as soon as possible.