Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, but patients still face challenges in accessing it. This article explores the ongoing fight for easier access to medical cannabis, particularly in the context of potential government changes.
Hannah Deacon’s Journey
When Hannah Deacon’s son Alfie Dingley was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy, she turned to medical cannabis after traditional treatments failed. Despite initial success with medical cannabis in Holland, accessing the treatment in the UK proved to be a challenge.
Current Situation
Since the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, only a few patients have been prescribed the treatment on the NHS. This has led to parents having to fund expensive private treatments, sparking calls for improved access to medical cannabis.
Challenges in Prescribing
Medical professionals have been hesitant to prescribe medical cannabis due to a lack of clear guidelines and concerns about the stigma associated with the term ‘cannabis’. The need for more clinical trials and updated medical guidance has been highlighted as essential for increasing prescription rates.
Randomised Controlled Trials vs. Observational Trials
- Observational trials, favored by some MPs, aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of medical cannabis through real-world cases like Alfie’s.
- However, the healthcare industry insists on randomised controlled trials to prove cost-effectiveness and safety to organisations like NICE.
Barriers to Access
Issues such as limited funding options, bureaucratic hurdles like Individual Funding Requests (IFRs), and the cautious approach of medical governing bodies have all contributed to the challenges in accessing medical cannabis in the UK.
Political Perspectives
While some MPs have criticized the slow progress in improving medical cannabis access, there are indications that Labour is considering legislative changes if they win the election. Calls have been made for increased research and the establishment of dedicated bodies to facilitate access to medical cannabis.
Conclusion
Despite the complexities and challenges surrounding medical cannabis access in the UK, there is growing awareness and political will to address the issue. The future of medical cannabis access may depend on continued advocacy, research, and potential policy changes.