Prehistory and Mediaeval Times The use of cannabis in textile production, in medicine and for recreational purposes have all been documented from as early as 2,000 years or more before the birth of Christ. Herodotus wrote of it in 450 BC; Buddha was said to have eaten it; the Romans went to war with the Carthaginians over its trade. It was first cultivated in Britain as early as c. 400 AD, and in c. 800 AD, the prophet Mohammed, while prohibiting the use of alcohol an edict which in principle survives to this day, was tolerant of its...
cannabis are successful and lead to a medical preparation, which is approved by the MCA, the government has made it clear it would be willing to amend the misuse of drugs regulations to allow the prescription of such a medicine."

"If the clinical trials into cannabis are successful and they do lead to a medical preparation which is approved by the Medicines Control Agency, the Government is absolutely clear that we are willing to amend the Misuse of Drugs Regulations to allow the prescribing of such medicine."

Charles Clarke, Secretary of State for Health February 2001