Today at the European Parliament, GUE/NGL is hosting a conference on the medical uses of cannabis with the participation of diverse list of international guests, including doctors, researchers, think tanks and patients.

The conference will explore the uses of cannabis in the treatment of disease and alleviation of symptoms, as well as the regulatory framework in Europe and the world. Participants will also examine best practice examples from some countries and prospects for the future in this field.

GUE/NGL MEP, Stelios Kouloglou, called for an end to the stigma surrounding cannabis in the EU:

“It is time for the EU to adapt to the new situation as evidenced by research on the therapeutic properties of cannabis and the major economic opportunities it has brought to non-EU countries.”

German MEP, Stefan Eck, elaborated:

“The use of cannabis as a remedy is not new. This natural medicinal plant has been used for medical purposes for 5000 years.”

“Cannabis should be used legally for medical treatments, for pain therapy in cancer patients and for diseases that severely limit quality of life.”

“It is time for the decriminalisation of cannabis. Through legalisation, countless people in Europe would escape prosecution.”

“The sale of cannabis should be legalised throughout the EU, especially since cannabis has a lower potential to cause harm than alcohol or nicotine,” Eck concluded.

For registration and information, please contact: [email protected]

Event programme and live streaming: http://ee-gue.spade/news/article/events/international-conference-on-medical-cannabis