DOCTORS routinely prescribe powerful painkillers for patients which contain addictive opioids. Morphine has been used for decades but there are plenty of alternatives such as fentanyl, a legal prescription drug which is more powerful than heroin.

Opioids are addictive and the NHS is no stranger to addiction that stems from patients hooked on prescription medicines.

It seems nonsensical then for the Government to continue its opposition to the use of medical cannabis.

Why give doctors carte blanche to prescribe addictive painkillers that are stronger than heroin but deny them the authority to legally prescribe cannabis-based medications?

Today we feature the case of Emma Smith and her son Oscar who suffers from a debilitating form of drug-resistant epilepsy.

There is a wealth of scientific evidence to show that cannabis oil can help treat Oscar’s condition but, because it remains illegal in the UK, doctors cannot use it. Instead, Oscar faces the daunting prospect of surgery with no guarantee of a successful outcome.

It is cruel and illogical to deny Oscar – and other epilepsy patients – a treatment we know can make their lives easier.

Yes, there are risks and unpleasant side-effects if you take cannabis-based medications. But every drug carries the risk of unwanted side-effects and marijuana medications would only be taken under careful supervision.

The Home Secretary has announced a review of the medicinal use of cannabis. As far as we are concerned the jury is already in – and the Government needs to get a move on.