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Cannabis campaign plea as mother warned over using drug to treat MS dies

A mother who received police warnings for using cannabis to treat her debilitating condition has died.

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Vicky and Andy Clarke

Vicky Clarke, from Burntwood, who was reported to police twice after turning to the Class B drug having battled multiple sclerosis for more than a decade, died at Walsall Manor Hospital on Sunday.

And now Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant has said he will continue to campaign for the medicinal use of cannabis after the former primary school teacher's death.

He said: “I was desperately sad to learn that my constituent, Mrs Vicky Clarke, lost her long battle with multiple sclerosis last Sunday at Walsall Manor Hospital.

“Her husband and two daughters were with her at the very end.

“Over the last few years I have been campaigning in Parliament and been in contact with Staffordshire Police to try and ensure that the family are not harassed while using the drug for her palliative care.

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant

"It seems extraordinary to me that the drug is still illegal when used in its fresh plant form.”

Back in 2017 Vicky was visited by police and social services regarding the safeguarding of her youngest daughter Megan, aged 17, after care services reported smelling cannabis in their house.

Vicky’s husband, Andy Clarke, said they will continue campaigning for people to access cannabis on health grounds.

He said: “We will keep on campaigning to give people the right to access cannabis on health grounds and look forward to the day people are not prosecuted for growing a small amount for themselves.

"I feel this is a better route than access to a synthetic single isolate that seems to be the route that is being pursued, we will see how it transpires.”

Mr Fabricant added: “We saw a change in the law late last year, but there are still not enough trained specialist clinicians to prescribe the drugs and fresh cannabis is still not permitted. Users still face persecution and prosecution. I will continue to campaign in Parliament for the medicinal use of cannabis.

“Vicky has shown great courage in the face of adversity and my heart goes out to her husband Andy and their two daughters.”

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