Last Updated on 30th July 2020

A couple accused of using cannabis-infused chocolate bars to treat symptoms of MS have had the charges dropped against them.

Lezley Gibson and her husband Mark, from Carlisle, had denied the three cannabis charges brought against them.

The charges were brought to the Carlisle Crown Court after the couple’s home was raided by the police. At the time, police obtained ten small cannabis plants and three homemade cannabis chocolate bars.

The couples legal team explained how they had little to no choice because they were unable to access the appropriate medications via the NHS.

For years, Lezley Gibson used Sativex, a cannabis-based medication prescribed by the NHS, to treat her Multiple Sclerosis (MS). That was until it was withdrawn and the “cost of a private prescription was prohibitive.”

Prosecutor Brendan Burke stated there was “unlawful production” of cannabis but considering the background reports, there was no need to pursue legal action.

The same decision was reached with regard to Lezley’s husband, Mark, who was “motivated by seeking to address his wife’s problems.”

To read more on the case and the issues surrounding it click here.