A new group set up to explore the benefits of medicinal cannabis has been set up, led  by a Glasgow MSP.

The Scottish Parliament’s new Cross Party Group on Medicinal Cannabis met for the first time this week.

It has been set up jointly by Pauline McNeill, Glasgow Labour MSP and Rona Mackay, SNP MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden.

Glasgow Times:

Pauline McNeill said they want to look into the treatments and raise awareness of how medicinal cannabis can help treat conditions that other medicines can’t.

She said: “I’m delighted to be working with colleagues from across the Parliament to set up the Cross Party Group on Medical Cannabis.  

 "We have met informally in the past and heard from experts and patients who have described the remarkable impact Medical Cannabis can have in treating a range of conditions. 

 “It’s an under researched area, but there’s increasing evidence from across the world indicating Medical Cannabis can play an important role in treating a host of conditions which do not respond positively to other medicines. “

The MSPs had met before to hear from people who had experience of using medicinal cannabis before they created he formal group at Holyrood.

 She added: "Some of the personal testimonies we heard in our informal meetings have indicated at the exciting potential of these new medicines, so I am delighted to be part creating this group and hope to raise awareness of these developing treatments .” 

Rona Mackay said: “This is such an important issue and it’s long overdue that the benefits of medicinal cannabis are explored and researched.

“ I hope this group sheds light on evidence and the work being done to progress the use of this treatment, as well as the challenges being faced in its implementation.”