The head of the asthma charity Open Airways has expressed “extreme concern” over Opposition Leader Marc Bean’s endorsement of cannabis tea as a cure for his three-year-old daughter’s asthma.

Mr Bean told Friday’s House of Assembly he’d brewed a cup of the tea for the toddler about 17 years ago to relieve her severe asthma — adding that she’d never suffered from the illness again.

Ms Boden told The Royal Gazette there were “no evidence-based studies demonstrating that there is a cure for asthma”.

“Asthma can be controlled by avoiding triggers and taking preventive medication as prescribed by a doctor,” she said.

“Open Airways strongly urges people to consult their doctor before trying any alternative remedies and certainly before giving up prescribed medication. Asthma can be life threatening if not correctly treated.”

The respiratory complaint, characterised by wheezing and shortness of breath, is a “long term variable disease, which may come and go throughout a lifetime”, Ms Boden added.

“As many as 50 percent of preschool children cough and wheeze whenever they have a cold. Many of these children may not have asthma but simply have tiny underdeveloped airways at a young age.”

In Bermuda, one in five school aged children have been diagnosed with asthma, which Ms Boden said could be treated effectively with prescribed medications.

Mr Bean’s remarks came during a discussion by MPs of the Cannabis Reform Collaborative’s report on potential changes to the Island’s laws on the drug.

He told the House that, in the past, cannabis had been medically effective for himself and for family members.