Thank you for contacting me about medicinal cannabis.
There is strong scientific evidence that cannabis can harm people’s mental and physical health, and damage communities. However recent cases have shown the need to look more closely at the use of cannabis-based medicine in treating patients with very specific conditions in exceptional circumstances.
Prescribing of cannabis-based products for medicinal use is restricted to specialist doctors only and I welcome the changes to scheduling of cannabis that has made this possible.
Each case is judged on an individual basis, and as I am sure you will agree, it is right that the decision remains solely with the clinician. I am aware that many doctors remain cautious in prescribing these treatments and guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) demonstrate a need for more evidence to justify routine prescribing of unlicensed cannabis-based products. As with all medicines, to support routine prescribing, the evidence base of safety and efficacy and cost effectiveness is needed. It is encouraging, therefore, that there have been 13 trials ongoing in the UK in the past 12 months, and six other trials have been completed. Additionally, two new clinical trials into treating refractory epilepsy are being developed by the National Institute for Health Research and NHS England. This will all go a long way towards providing a wider evidence base for clinicians to consider. I look forward to seeing the results of these trials in due course.
I am aware that the number of patients with NHS prescriptions for medicinal cannabis products is low, and often families have sought private treatment, which can lead to a serious financial burden. I am assured that the Government is aware of this and, while they cannot stipulate what companies charge for the products and it is the case that companies may face export or import fees for controlled drugs, I welcome that the Government is already working within these constraints to reduce costs.
I completely agree that ensuring greater access to medicinal cannabis, where clinically appropriate, is of great importance. I am assured that the Government is committed to considering every action as they look at what more can be done to improve access. I hope this provides hope for those patients and families in need.
