Medical cannabis: Carmichael highlights benefits found by MS sufferers in the isles

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today in Parliament highlighted the benefits sufferers of some chronic conditions find from using medical cannabis, during a debate on the topic. Mr Carmichael noted the case of the late Biz Ivol from Orkney, who used cannabis to relieve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and called for greater support from government for those in need of medical cannabis.

Speaking in the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“My constituent, the late Biz Ivol, who was a sufferer from multiple sclerosis, told me that the only relief she got from multiple sclerosis was by her own—shall we say—non-prescribed use of cannabis. She described multiple sclerosis to me as being not just stiffness and spasms, but like somebody was pulling barbed wire down inside her spine. When somebody is feeling that sort of pain and discomfort, surely it is incumbent on us all to find a way, through medicine, to give them some relief if we possibly can.”

Responding, David Mundell MP said:

“The right hon. Gentleman makes a very good point. Indeed, over time, I think all of us who have taken an interest in this issue have heard from multiple sclerosis sufferers about the pain and difficulties that they have encountered. It is incumbent on us, those in Government and those in the medical world to do what we can to make sure that that is no longer the case.”

Speaking after the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“Access to medical cannabis is something that can unite people from all sides of the political spectrum as a way to alleviate suffering for people with chronic conditions, particularly MS which has an outsized impact in the Northern Isles. 

“More broadly I would like to see the government take seriously the case for the legalisation of cannabis as a matter of common sense health policy. In absence of that willingness from government, however, the very least we should expect is some common sense on medical cannabis.”