The first Patients at Parliament event took place in October 2017. What was truly activism, but in the form of a peaceful outdoor tea and cakes party, drew a great turn-out and plenty of well-deserved support from cannabis enthusiasts across the UK and around the world. The impetus for this was MP Paul Flynn, who has been a supporter of medicinal cannabis for more than three decades, putting forward a ten-minute rule bill for the legalisation of medicinal cannabis on prescription. At the same time, he called for medicinal cannabis users to assemble in an act of civil disobedience (a great tradition!) and consume cannabis outside the Houses of Parliament.

The bill passed its first reading without opposition, meaning that the second reading will now take place. Without the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule 1 – where it is currently classed, as having no medicinal value! – the next step towards legal, accessible medicinal cannabis cannot be taken. The bill is now known as the Elizabeth Brice Bill, in memory of medicinal cannabis campaigner Elizabeth Brice.
Organisers the United Patients Alliance are hoping for an even bigger attendance for the next edition, held this February 23^rd from 12:00 – 17:00 at the Old Palace Yard outside the Houses of Parliament.  If you are able to attend, please do! Details can be found on their Facebook page. If you are unable to attend, there are still steps you can take, which can also be found on both the Facebook event page and the UPA website.