Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:57 pm on 27 November 2018.
Yes, I share the Member's concern. We've all had constituents who've been contacting us about the use of medicinal cannabis. I think it's important to set out the actual situation as we find it. So, prior to the change in law, Sativex was able to be prescribed to treat spasticity and multiple sclerosis where clinically appropriate. At present, seven pharmaceutical companies are developing around 21 new medicines that contain cannabis derivatives or synthetic cannabis compounds. As each medicine is ready, it will go through the well-established processes in place to ensure it's safe and effective and appropriate for use. The quality control processes are obviously the most safe way to provide patients with access to the medically active compound in cannabis. The Member well knows that the legal classification of drugs is not a devolved matter to Wales. It remains the responsibility of the UK Government and it's something we can't unilaterally take action on. But it is, we think, most appropriate to look at a UK-wide basis for the use of medicinal cannabis and, as the evidence base grows and as the products available grow, then the availability of the medicines will, of course, be more widespread in Wales, as it will be elsewhere in the UK.