Medical Cannabis News Europe May 2023
My regular monthly round-up of European Medical Cannabis News
1. Germany’s medical cannabis market booming despite high prices: Germany’s medical cannabis market continues to grow despite the high prices of the drug. The country has seen a 40% increase in cannabis sales in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. However, patients are still struggling to afford the drug due to its high cost, which is not covered by most health insurance plans. This highlights the need for more affordable medical cannabis options for patients in Germany.
2. UK to launch first clinical trial on cannabis-based drug for cancer pain: The UK is set to launch its first clinical trial on a cannabis-based drug for cancer pain. The drug, which contains both THC and CBD, will be tested on 20 patients with advanced cancer to determine its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving quality of life. This marks a significant step forward for medical cannabis research in the UK, which has been hindered by strict regulations in the past. The results of this trial could pave the way for more cannabis-based treatments for cancer patients.
3. France to legalize medical cannabis by 2022: France is set to legalize medical cannabis by the first quarter of 2022. The country’s Ministry of Health has announced plans to launch a two-year experiment to test the effectiveness of medical cannabis in treating certain conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. This marks a major shift in France’s stance on cannabis, which has been illegal for recreational and medical purposes for decades. This move could have a significant impact on the medical cannabis industry in Europe.
4. Netherlands to increase medical cannabis production to meet growing demand: The Netherlands is set to increase its production of medical cannabis in order to meet the growing demand for the drug. The country’s Office of Medicinal Cannabis has announced plans to expand its production capacity from 1.5 tonnes to 2 tonnes per year. This comes as the demand for medical cannabis in the Netherlands continues to rise, with more than 50,000 patients currently using the drug. This highlights the need for increased production and access to medical cannabis for patients across Europe.
Anything I missed? Let me know
Takeaways:
1. The high cost of medical cannabis in Germany is still a barrier for patients.
2. The UK’s clinical trial on a cannabis-based drug for cancer pain could lead to more treatments for cancer patients.
3. France’s legalization of medical cannabis could have a significant impact on the industry in Europe.
4. The demand for medical cannabis in the Netherlands is increasing, highlighting the need for increased production and access for patients.
