SNP conference backs decriminalisation of medical cannabis

SNP activists have overwhelmingly backed a motion in favour of the decriminalisation of cannabis for medical use.

Picture: Getty

Delegates at the party’s national conference in Glasgow have urged the UK Government to devolve powers to Holyrood to do this.

They made the call after hearing from multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferer Laura Brennan-Whitefield, who called on the party to show “compassion and common sense”.

She said: “I’m not advocating the smoking of cannabis, what I’m advocating is a progressive and reasonable, compassionate society where you can access pain relief.”

Ms Brennan-Whitefield said: “I have been living with multiple sclerosis for nine years and the fact that I’m standing here giving this speech means I am one of the lucky ones.

“It has become very clear to me over these last nine years that many people living with MS have been using cannabis to help with the symptoms of that condition, in fact it’s one of the worst kept secrets at the hospital.

“All of these people risk a criminal record, unlike in Australia, Chile, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Romania and some US states.

“We as a developed western nation are fast becoming behind the times, we are the odd ones out.”