Using cannabis for medicinal purposes is ’perfectly fine’, some members of Peel Commissioners have said in light of a new consultation looking at the issue.

The ’Prescribing of Medicinal Cannabis’ consultation, which is currently open until March 20, was discussed during the local authority’s meeting on February 21, although it could be argued that the matter was outside the usual remit of local authorities.

Two board members are to nominate themselves to complete the consultation.

’Using it for medicinal purposes under supervision and the production of it under supervision is perfectly fine,’ said commissioner Alan Jones.

’I’m not keen on it being sold in shops. I think that would create an Amsterdam.’

Others agreed.

Commissioner Ben Heath said: ’We have an opportunity to be ahead of the game.’

Board member Ian Davison added that it could help people with serious illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease, a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.

’I think there are a lot of sick people out there. For medical purposes, it’s perfect,’ he said.

The Department of Health and Social Care launched two public consultations this month for residents and health professionals to have their say on whether the law should change on medicinal cannabis use and the growing of hemp for industrial purposes.

Medicinal use of cannabis has been allowed in the island since November 2018, when Manx law followed a change in UK legislation. However this is in limited circumstances.

Find the consultations here: www.gov.im/cannabis

lA mother tells us why she thinks medicinal cannabis should be legalised, page 8.