NEWPORT West MP Paul Flynn branded the government’s attempts to reduce drug use as 'an abject failure' in a debate in parliament earlier today.

The Labour MP led a debate in the House of Commons on Monday, October 12, following an online petition calling for the legalisation of the sale, use and production of the Class B drug, which attracted more than 220,000 signatures.

Opening the debate, Mr Flynn said the government’s attempt to reduce drug use through making it illegal 'an abject failure'.

“What we need is to replace the system we have at the moment where we are spending billions every year to reduce the use of drugs,” he said.

He said he was particularly in favour of the legalisation of the drug for medicinal use, such as for people with terminal diseases who may use it for pain relief.

“The case for medical cannabis is overwhelming,” he said.

“Medical cannabis is now free to be used in 23 states in America and several countries in Europe.

“We are basically denying people their medicine of choice.”

Mr Flynn said legalising the drug would both remove the criminal element and protect users.

“What we’re up against is that we’ve got a substance which is very popular and the market is controlled by very irresponsible criminals who have no consideration for the impact on their customers,” he said.

“The sensible step is to replace that market by one controlled by the state.

“No one is asking for a free for all for on drug use.

“We are asking for an intelligent system.

“It’s ludicrous these are known as controlled drugs when they are out of control.”

Mr Flynn closed his opening statement by calling on his fellow MPs to do what they felt was right rather than what would be the most popular.

“For too long this house has held back from full scale reform as a result of the timidity of members or fear of being attacked by the media and losing votes,” he said.

But Conservative MP for central Suffolk Daniel Poulter was not in favour of legalising the drug, pointing to research showing cannabis can have a seriously damaging effect on people with mental health issues such as depression or schizophrenia, increasing the risk of suffering a psychotic episode.

“I believe the legalisation of a substance which damages physical health and mental health is wrong,” he said.

Meanwhile Liberal Democrat member for north Norfolk Norman Lamb said he was fully in favour of allowing people with medical issues to use the drug, but stopped short of calling for its complete legalisation.

“What possible justification can there be for continuing to penalise people with multiple sclerosis for using cannabis for pain relief?” he said. “I desperately want the UK to look at the evidence and not base policy on fear ignorance and prejudice.”

It is believed a legislated legalising the sale, use and production of cannabis could raise £900 million a year.