The Isle of Man Business Network is teaming up with ILS World to debate the consequences of cannabis reform in the island.

The motion will be: ’This house believes that the economic and medical advantages of legalising all strains of cannabis in the Isle of Man outweigh the social concerns.’

Dr Alex Allinson MHK will propose the motion and will be seconded by Dave Taggart, chief operating officer of Glycyx Therapeutics Limited.

The island’s director of public health, Dr Henrietta Ewart, will oppose the motion and will be seconded by public health strategist, Dawn Henley.

ILS World chief executive, Chris Eaton will chair the discussion.

The debate will be held at The Palace Hotel on Wednesday, November 6.

Dr Allinson said: ’With the increased interest in the medicinal uses of cannabis products here and legislative changes around the world I believe it is vital we have an informed debate on the Isle of Man to promote future policy changes which have the potential to address a range of societal and economic issues for our island.’

Dr Ewart said: ’I am pleased to have been asked to participate in this debate because the breadth of the topic will allow us to explore the arguments for and against legalising all strains of cannabis in an open forum. I will be participating as an individual and the arguments I may put forward do not necessarily reflect DHSC or government views and may not even reflect my own views, given the nature of formal debating.’

Chris Eaton said: 'As a number of countries have legalised the use of medicinal cannabis and others have decriminalised recreational use it seemed timely that the Isle of Man should continue to discuss this openly.'

President of the IOM Business Network, Katie Nicholson said: ’We are delighted to once again be partnering with ILS for our popular annual debate. The legalisation of cannabis for medicinal purposes is highly relevant at this time and the motion should prove for a very interesting debate.’

Registration and a buffet will be available from 5.30pm with the debate kicking off at 6.15pm. This is a ticket only event costing members £10 and £16 for non-members.