Labour MPs Godfrey Farrugia and Marlene Farrugia have hit out at parliamentary secretary for health Chris Fearne for his reaction to a suggestion made by Dr Godfrey Farrugia on medical use of cannabis.

On Monday, Dr Godfrey Farrugia argued in favour of using cannabis – specifically, synthetic derivatives of the drug – for medical purposes, saying this could be beneficial to patients facing a number of health issues.

In reaction, Dr Fearne said that the government would consider legalising the use of non-smoking cannabis only if there was a request from industry or from a professional body.

No such request had ever been made, and said that it is not up to politicians to come up with such a request, making a direct reference to his parliamentary and party colleague.

Marlene Farrugia did not take this comment lightly, writing on Facebook that “Politicians can come up with any reasonable request on behalf of the people they represent. It is then up to the executive government to take up any suggestion and spearhead the process for the realisation of the material in question through the necessary authorities, or decide outright not to pursue the issue , which it has every right to do, as long as it is accompanied by the necessary explanations. It is outright stupid to say that politicians should not come up with such suggestions! Arrogance per excellence!”, she wrote.

Her partner, Dr Godfrey Farrugia, replied on her post, saying that “Chris's statement is an unbecoming comment from a professional colleague”.

It is not the first time that Dr Marlene Farrugia has been at loggerheads with her own party or some of its officials. This escalated even further after Dr Godfrey Farrugia left the post of Health Minister because he did not accept to be given a different portfolio when Prime Minister Muscat reshuffled his Cabinet.