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UK medical cannabis model “inadequate” and “unsustainable” for patients

Leading bodies have called for more rights for medical cannabis patients.

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UK medical cannabis model “inadequate” and “unsustainable” for patients
Industry experts have called for GPs to be allowed to prescribe medical cannabis

The UK Government has been accused of complacency as leading bodies call for more rights for medical cannabis patients. 

A UK patient body, established to address the inequalities in access to cannabis-based medicinal products in the UK, has called on the Government to extend the rights of medicinal cannabis patients at Cannabis Europa, Europe’s leading cannabis conference.

PLEA, a patient-led organisation, was joined by Lyphe Group and The Cannabis Industry Council in labelling the UK’s medical cannabis model as ‘unsustainable’, arguing that chronically ill patients should not be forced into a private market, many of whom can’t afford due to the lack of NHS prescriptions

Research from Prohibition Partners – the founders and organisers of Cannabis Europa – shows that on average initial consultations with UK cannabis clinics costs from £140, with £75 being charged for follow up visits and an average of £50 for a repeat prescription.

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Industry leaders urged the Government to change its stance on the UK’s cannabis prescription system, arguing that GPs should be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis on the NHS, which would significantly improve the quality of patient care. 

The UK’s preeminent expert on the issue, Professor Mike Barnes, pointed the finger squarely at the Home Secretary, highlighting that changing one line in section 7.13 the misuse of drugs regulations 2018, would enable GPs to prescribe medicinal cannabis rather than specialist doctors.

Professor Barnes, who is chair of the Cannabis Industry Council, commented: “The UK’s cannabis market is completely inadequate to cater for the demand of medical cannabis. The Government must wake up, face reality and put patients first by enabling GPs to prescribe life-changing medicine.”

Currently, just under 20,000 patients in the UK are granted legal access to medical cannabis, with only around 110 specialist practitioners able to prescribe in the UK. 

However, if it were to be made widely available on the NHS this number would increase to 80,000, enabling every patient to access the medication they require.

“Patient access to medicine must be a Government priority,” said Zach Thompson, external relations lead at PLEA, commented.

“Those most in need are currently hamstrung by the regulatory framework the industry is operating within and a majority of patients are struggling to afford the medicine they need.

“Unless the Government changes course, it will only get worse as the cost-of-living crisis escalates.”

Jonathan Nadler, CEO at Lyphe Group, agreed, adding: “If the Government does not shift its approach quickly for GP prescribing and reimbursement, some patients will have no option but to turn to a grow-your-own market, in which they will be forced to self-prescribe.”

Cannabis Europa, which took place in London last week, hosted 1,200 activists, academics and advocates from over 40 countries, as the industry gathered to talk about the expansion of the medicinal and recreational cannabis markets in Europe, and the investment opportunities that have arisen as a result. 

Speakers at the conference – which included Stephen Murphy, CEO of Prohibition Partners, Dr Carl Hart, Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, Kristine Lütke, Member of the German Bundestag, and Big Narstie, Rapper and TV personality – emphasised the rapid maturation of the industry with medical, recreational and CBD groups now seeking to part ways and pursue divergent policy goals.

As sector specific issues become more and more complex, industry-wide events like Cannabis Europa are seen as being increasingly important.

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Sarah Sinclair is a respected cannabis journalist writing on subjects related to science, medicine, research, health and wellness. She is managing editor of Cannabis Health, the UK’s leading title covering medical cannabis and CBD, and sister titles, Cannabis Wealth and Psychedelic Health. Sarah has an NCTJ journalism qualification and an MA in Journalism from the University of Sunderland. Sarah has over six years experience working on newspapers, magazines and digital-first titles, the last two of which have been in the cannabis sector. She has also completed training through the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society securing a certificate in Medical Cannabis Explained. She is a member of PLEA’s (Patient-Led Engagement for Access) advisory board, has hosted several webinars on cannabis and women's health and has moderated at industry events such as Cannabis Europa. Sarah Sinclair is the editor of Cannabis Health. Got a story? Email sarah@handwmedia.co.uk / Follow us on Twitter: @CannabisHNews / Instagram: @cannabishealthmag

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