Overview

This bill proposes to reschedule cannabis and cannabis resin in the UK, effectively legalizing their production, supply, possession, and use for medicinal purposes. This would amend the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 to remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances and add it to a schedule that permits medicinal use.

Description

The Legalisation of Cannabis (Medicinal Purposes) Bill aims to amend the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Specifically, it seeks to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule 1 (controlled substances) and add them to Schedule 2, allowing their use under medical supervision. The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and will come into force two months after it receives Royal Assent.

Key Changes:

• Removes cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
• Adds cannabis and cannabis resin to Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. However, implementation could lead to costs associated with regulating the medicinal cannabis industry, such as licensing, inspections, and potential support for research and development.

Groups Affected

• Patients: Could potentially benefit from access to cannabis-based medicinal products, provided they are prescribed by a doctor.
• Healthcare professionals: Would need to be trained and informed about the use and prescribing of cannabis for medical purposes.
• Cannabis producers and suppliers: Would be able to legally operate within a regulated framework, assuming licenses are obtained.
• Law enforcement agencies: May experience changes in their workload, potentially focusing on enforcement related to illegal cannabis use.
• Pharmaceutical industry: May experience opportunities for developing and distributing cannabis-based medicines.

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