Alan Milburn is today set to call on the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to assess whether one or more cannabis-based drugs should be prescribed on the NHS.

The drug is said to have beneficial effects for MS sufferers, those with arthritis and HIV/Aids.

The move could pave the way for cannabis pills on the NHS by 2004.

In a separate move, the Commons home affairs committee is shortly expected to add its voice to calls for the decriminalisation of the drug.

David Blunkett is said to have told aides that he will look closely at plans to relax laws on cannabis but has vowed to stand firm against calls to reclassify ecstasy.