Cannabis: Authorization in Switzerland for medical purposes?
Switzerland is exploring the possibility of authorizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes. This provision would allow cannabis to be prescribed to people with cancer and other serious diseases.
Cannabis authorized for medical... and recreational purposes?
This initiative appears welcome insofar as it offers an alternative to a current system that seems to have shown its limitations. To date, this is how things work: anyone seeking to obtain cannabis for medical purposes must apply for an exemption from the Federal Office of Public Health. This is justified by the fact that cannabis is a drug and considered "illegal" by the government. This would help streamline the process in the face of increasing demand. It should be noted, however, that this subject is to be distinguished from the future experimentation of authorizing cannabis for recreational purposes in several cities located in different cantons.
As a reminder, the use of cannabis as we observe it can be diversified. It can then, for example, stimulate appetite, reduce spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, or relieve chronic pain associated with several types of cancer.
When explaining its choice, Switzerland mentioned its extensive use of cannabis for medical purposes in the treatment of various pathologies. In 2018 alone, federal authorities say they issued nearly 3,000 exceptions to people seeking to obtain cannabis for medical purposes.
Switzerland adds to a growing list.
The Swiss government explained in a statement: "The proposal allows doctors to directly prescribe cannabis as part of their treatment {...} Cultivating and processing medical cannabis, as well as its sale, would then be possible within a regulated system." - a direct reference to Swissmedic, the country's pharmaceutical regulatory body.
In comparison, it should be recalled that the Portuguese Parliament recently approved a bill to authorize cannabis-based medicines. Portugal thus joins Italy, Germany, Canada, and certain states of the United States. Ireland also moved in this direction in June 2018.
Last year, Swiss drug manufacturer Novartis agreed with Canadian medical cannabis manufacturer Tilray to support the commercialization of part of its range. Is this laying serious groundwork before taking the big leap?
