In April 2019, a survey by the French observatory for drugs and drug addiction indicated that 91% of French people were in favor of medical cannabis. Is it possible to be prescribed medical cannabis currently in France? If so, in what context and what are the eligible pathologies?
The use of medical cannabis is already authorized in many European countries (Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Portugal, Luxembourg) but also in America (Canada, Chile, Colombia, certain States of the United States) . Since March 2021, the medical cannabis has entered an experimental phase in France. This aims to assess the therapeutic interest of the plant, but also to collect data on its safety of use. For example, does cannabis cause side effects ? How often and how intensely? This test phase will last two years and the conclusions are expected for September 2023.
How is medical cannabis going to be made?
Regarding the cultivation of the cannabis plant, it is done in foreign countries where medical cannabis is already authorized. Indeed, it is for the moment strictly prohibited to cultivate or exploit cannabis in France. For the product storage and distribution stages, companies were selected following a call for tenders from the ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products).
How will medical cannabis be prescribed?
It is expected that 3,000 patients will be included in the therapeutic trial. There are five indications for the prescription of medical cannabis:
- neuropathic pain refractory to accessible therapies (medicated or not);
- certain forms ofepilepsy severe and drug-resistant;
- certain stubborn symptoms related to cancer or its processing;
- palliative care ;
- painful spasticity of the multiple sclerosis or other pathologies of the central nervous system.
Only doctors practicing in reference structures are authorized to prescribe medical cannabis. The list of these structures is available on the ANSM website.
How will medical cannabis be delivered?
During the testing phase, medical cannabis is categorized as narcotic drugs. Which means that it must be prescribed on a particular type of prescription, secure prescriptions, which are particularly difficult to falsify. These are prescriptions with a special natural white watermarked paper without optical brighteners. The legal notices are pre-printed in blue. There is a square in micro-letters at the bottom right. In addition, only certain pharmacies, volunteers to participate in the experimental phase, are authorized to deliver medical cannabis.
How is medical cannabis presented?
There are two routes of administration for medical cannabis. First, the nasal passage for inhaling vapors. These come from dried flowering tops or granules and are vaporized using a dedicated device. The flowering top includes the flowers, leaves and stem at the top of the plant. Second, the oral or sublingual route comprising the ingestion of solubilized extracts in an oily matrix.
Are there any contraindications to medical cannabis?
This product is formally contraindicated in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding. In women of childbearing age, effective contraception must be put in place for the entire duration of the experiment. Patients should be informed and understand the risks to a potential fetus.
Cannabis is contraindicated in people with a history of psychotic disorders, especially a history of schizophrenia. It is also not recommended for patients with hepatic impairment, renal impairment or severe heart failure.
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