Hypocrisy meets Hippocrates

Ever since the hippie era of the 1960s, cannabis has been an icon of anti-establishment opinion. But those looking for artistic inspiration or simply to escape from their daily existence have used mind-altering substances since time immemorial. It is ironic, then, that those suffering from a wide range of painful, distressing and even life-threatening illnesses have been denied the relief that could be provided by medicines derived from cannabis, while substances that are far more open to abuse – cocaine and heroin – are permitted for medicinal purposes.

And it is even more ironic that it is possible to walk into a shop on the high street and buy over the counter from unqualified staff substances that are untested, unlicensed and frequently unproven. But because these are 'natural' treatments, they are considered harmless, despite the fact that some contain compounds as powerful as those in prescription-only drugs.

Hailed a few years ago as a herbal wonder-drug to treat mild depression, St John's Wort has since been shown to counteract the effect of a number of drugs, including hormone-based contraceptives, resulting in a number of unwanted pregnancies. Similarly, the herbal supplement Ginko biloba, taken to improve memory, can contain high levels of the toxin colchicine, which can lead to birth defects. And even the ubiquitous garlic can cause liver poisoning, colitis and dermatitis in those who are unduly sensitive to its high sulphur content. In high doses it may even prevent blood clotting and interfere with thyroid function.

But there are signs that attitudes are starting to change. A number of prominent political figures in the UK have called for cannabis to be legalised and in some parts of London, the police, while not exactly turning a blind eye, are cautioning rather than prosecuting users.

At the same time there are moves to increase the regulation of alternative medicines. The WHO has launched a global strategy document to help governments develop laws to regulate these products, enabling consumers to reap the benefits, while protecting them from any hazards.

The European Commission too has proposed a new directive on the authorisation of traditional herbal medicines, providing a simplified registration procedure for products in use for at least 30 years. Although the quality thresholds match those for standard medicines, the usual compulsory tests on safety and efficacy can be replaced by an assessment of information about their use in the past three decades.

Cannabis is a plant capable of inducing mild euphoria. So, if the hype is to be believed, is St John's Wort. A case of double standards, surely.