A year of changes
A crucial milestone was reached last year on August 1, 2022, when the Narcotics Act in Switzerland was amended. This change now allows doctors to prescribe cannabis without requiring a special permit from the Federal Office of Public Health. This shift of responsibility from government authorities to the medical community is a significant step for all cannabis patients. It signals that policymakers have recognized the medical benefits of cannabis, and everyone now has the right to try it as a medical treatment option.
Legal, but not yet effortless: Cannabis extracts and flowers from the pharmacy
Our members have experienced a palpable sense of liberation and renewed confidence since taking the step of consulting a doctor and obtaining a cannabis prescription. Legal access to high-quality cannabis medications and flowers from pharmacies is a significant step forward, even if prices remain relatively high. However, a challenge lies in dosage, particularly with cannabis flowers, which are often prescribed in smaller quantities than needed. Further education is required at pharmacies and among doctors to ensure optimal care. Our experience shows that patients with severe pain or ADHD often require 100 grams of cannabis flowers or even more per month.
Getting costs covered requires patience
The difficulties also become apparent when it comes to reimbursement by health insurance companies or accident insurers, a process that requires patience and often several attempts. The combination of cannabis extracts and cannabis flowers can quickly become expensive and is hardly affordable without financial assistance. Many of our members require different forms of administration. MEDCAN is nevertheless confident that both prices and reimbursements will association in the future. Raising awareness of this issue is crucial and is a top priority for us, so that patients will have unrestricted access to the medication they need and be able to afford it.
Poorly trained doctors
Another challenge for those affected is that many medical professionals are still not sufficiently informed about how to use cannabis correctly for medical purposes. We see a significant need for training and continuing education here, and we are pleased to see that various training opportunities already exist. Only trained medical professionals will be able to facilitate patients' access to this therapeutic option in the long term.
A herbal remedy as an alternative
Cannabis has proven anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, sleep-inducing, and mood-enhancing properties, to name just a few. It is regrettable that the medicinal effects of cannabis went unused for many years due to misinformation and stigma. Prohibition banned the medical use of cannabis without any scientific basis, even though it was a widely available medication sold in pharmacies at the time. However, the amendment to the Narcotics Act shows that change is possible. It is important that patients insist on their right to try cannabis for medicinal purposes. If your doctor is unwilling to do so, seek competent help elsewhere. Cannabis is a plant-based remedy with moderate side effects. For many illnesses and conditions, the medical use of cannabis is an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs and worth trying.
The experiences of the patients are important
Over the course of this year, MEDCAN has met with numerous companies and stakeholders in the field of medical cannabis. All are interested in the experiences of patients, as there is a lack of knowledge available. It is therefore all the more important that affected patients share their experiences to demonstrate the medical benefits of cannabis. Unfortunately, this knowledge is lacking among most physicians, as prohibition has prevented cannabis from being researched medically. This makes it all the more important that the MEDCAN Association disseminates the experiences of its members and raises awareness about the new narcotics law. We are proud to see that the Association has achieved such a significant standing.
Confidence and challenges
Despite these successful changes to the system, we are aware that the path to easy and affordable access to medical cannabis is not yet complete. We are confident that much will change quickly. We are hearing from more and more patients that the costs are being covered after several attempts. However, we also still see challenges. Nevertheless, medical professionals are showing interest in the use of cannabis, and specialized pharmacies offer expert advice. This was not the case until recently. Much has changed for the better in 2023. We look to the future with optimism.
Looking ahead to 2024: MEDCAN's 10th anniversary
We are especially looking forward to 2024, as it marks the tenth anniversary of our Association 's founding. This anniversary year is a time when we want to highlight the fact that the new Narcotics Act now makes the medical use of cannabis possible in Switzerland. Through informational events and educational outreach, we will ensure that as many people as possible are informed about this therapeutic option. We are also currently redesigning our website so that we can really get going again in 2024. Our commitment will not waver until all patients have access to and can afford their cannabis medications.
Home cultivation must be possible
It is our stated goal to ensure that, in the future, patients whose costs are not covered by health insurance or accident insurance despite a doctor's prescription have the opportunity to cultivate their own cannabis for medical use. Regardless of financial obstacles, those affected should be able to provide for themselves without being criminalized. The primary goal of the MEDCAN Association is to enable access for everyone who wishes to use cannabis for medical purposes.
We would like to sincerely thank our members and supporters for their support. Together we create change and work towards a better future. Your membership makes it possible!
Here's to a successful and hopeful 2024!
