Medical Marijuana UK: Major news in the UK today, as the government has approved the use of medical cannabis and will make it available on prescription through the NHS.
"By the Autumn" of this year, Doctors will be able to prescribe medicine which contains marijuana, the Home Office announced today.
Medical Marijuana UK: Home Secretary Does a U-Turn
The Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “Recent cases involving sick children made it clear to me that our position on cannabis-related medicinal products was not satisfactory...Following advice from two sets of independent advisors, I have taken the decision to reschedule cannabis-derived medicinal products – meaning they will be available on prescription."
Billy Caldwell
No doubt he was hinting at the controversial case of late regarding Billy Caldwell who's CBD oil was detained by the Home Office and nearly died as a result. Billy needs CBD oil to treat his epilepsy, without which he can suffer up to 100 seizures a day. His story caused an outcry across the country for the government to readdress its position on medical marijuana.
His mother, Ms. Caldwell responded with delight to the to the rescheduling of medical cannabis calling it “incredible".
Chief UK Medical adviser, Dame Sally Davies, recently reported that she felt there is conclusive evidence that medicinal cannabis has therapeutic benefits. Her opinion has also helped to shape this outcome for the drug.
“This will help patients with an exceptional clinical need.” the Home Secretary Mr. Javid continued in his statement.
Mr. Javid also made it clear that this was "in no way" a step towards legalizing recreational marijuana in the UK.
>>FDA Warns Rat Poison Found in Synthetic Marijuana
Defining 'Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Product'
The Department for Health and Social Care along with the Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency, now must develop a clear definition of what exactly constitutes a 'cannabis-derived medicinal product'. These products will then be rescheduled and prescribed.
Moving forward, they should be placed in schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, allowing physicians to prescribe them by the autumn.
Featured Image: Deposit Photos/PromesaStudio
