Medical cannabis to be available on prescription after government approves use

Medicinal cannabis is set to be available on on prescription through the NHS after the government approved its use on Thursday (26 July).

Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, who was born in Rochdale, said: “Recent cases involving sick children made it clear to me that our position on cannabis-related medicinal products was not satisfactory.

“Making medicinal cannabis available on prescription will benefit the lives of ill patients currently suffering in silence. There is nothing harder than seeing your loved ones in pain – which is why I have taken this decision.

“Following advice from two sets of independent advisers, I have taken the decision to reschedule cannabis-derived medicinal products – meaning they will be available on prescription.

“This will help patients with an exceptional clinical need but is in no way a first step to the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use.”

Penalties for unauthorised possession of the class B drug will still remain, carrying an unlimited fine and up to five years in jail, rising to 14 years for dealers.

The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will now develop a clear definition of what constitutes a cannabis-derived medicinal product so they can be rescheduled and prescribed.

In the first part of the review commissioned by the Home Secretary, the Chief Medical Advisor, Professor Dame Sally Davies, concluded that there is evidence that medicinal cannabis has therapeutic benefits.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) carried out the second part of the review, considering the appropriate schedule for cannabis-derived medicinal products.

The ACMD recommended that such products meeting a clear definition of what constitutes a cannabis-derived medicinal product should be placed in Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. 

It is currently classed as a Schedule 1 drug, the most stringently controlled type which are often only authorised for research purposes.

Clinicians will still be able to apply to the independent expert panel on behalf of patients wishing to access cannabis-derived medicinal products, so they can be rescheduled and prescribed.

All licence fees for applications made to the panel will be waived, and applications already granted will not be charged.

MP Tony Lloyd, who has supported the legalisation of medicinal cannabis, said: "This is welcome news as it is quite right that this should be done. We know it can help in circumstances; in particular, it has helped young people tremendously with epilepsy and seizures.

"However, it will have to be crystal clear to doctors under what circumstances they can prescribe it and when it can be given out. Some may feel like they may be held liable if they have not complied with rules they have not been informed of."

Local campaigner Gary Cooper, from Rochdale, who uses the controversial drug to manage pain from multiple chronic health conditions, said: "I am delighted by the decision to legalise cannabis for medicinal use for the many that suffer from chronic and debilitating conditions.

"This move has been a long time coming and gives hope to those who rely on cannabis as their sole form of relief. I look forward to applying for my medicinal cannabis license in the upcoming weeks and would like to thank all the campaigners that have worked to push forward this decision. From starting a cannabis charity, Coops Roots, I have met many people like myself who rely on cannabis to get them through the day comfortably.

"Finally cannabis is being realised for what it is, a safe and effective medicine."

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/115770/%E2%80%98cannabis-has-given-me-my-life-back%E2%80%99-says-local-biological-science-lecturer