DRUGS Minister Victoria Atkins has been banned from talking about marijuana for the Government because her husband runs a giant cannabis farm.

Ms Atkins is married to Paul Kenward, who is managing director of British Sugar.

2 The Home Office revealed Victoria Atkins has now 'voluntarily recused herself from cannabis-related policy' Credit: Reuters

The company grows marijuana in Wissington, Norfolk, under a licence from her department the Home Office. The crops are being used in an epilepsy drug in the US.

It emerged Ms Atkins, who began her job last November, failed to mention her husband’s involvement in cannabis growing in MPs’ interests.

Guidelines say family interests should be declared if relevant to a ministerial responsibility.

Steve Moore, of drug policy think-tank Volteface, said: “We have the ridiculous situation of the drugs minister being unable to speak in Parliament or make decisions on one of the most important parts of her job.”

2 Victoria Atkins forgot to mention that her husband Paul Kenward's involvement in one of Britain's largest cannabis farms

MOST READ IN POLITICS Latest DOWN TO BUSINESS Chancellor to launch 'furlough replacement' tomorrow as Budget CANCELLED WINTER COMING England may have to ban home visits too as SAGE adviser warns lockdown coming EAT IN OR TAKE OUT? Chaos & confusion over whether cafes will HAVE to offer table service LOCKED UP AGAIN New lockdown rules explained: Everything you can and can't do now HOL ON A MO Downing Street warns families of risk of booking half-term holidays Latest 'PERILOUS POINT' PM warns stricter rules likely to last 6 MONTHS ruining Xmas for millions

Mr Kenward’s licence was issued in 2016 before his wife became a minister.

Ms Atkins has been a staunch opponent of legalising cannabis and, as a barrister, prosecuted drug offenders.

The Home Office said she had “voluntarily recused herself from policy or decisions relating to cannabis”.

Home Office minister Victoria Atkins admits she doesn’t know how many police officers there are in the service