A year of changes
A crucial milestone was reached last year on August 1, 2022, when the narcotics law in Switzerland was changed. This change now allows doctors to prescribe cannabis without the need for a special permit from the Federal Office of Public Health. This shift of responsibility from state authorities to the medical community is a significant step for all cannabis patients. It signals that politicians have recognized that cannabis has medical benefits and everyone now has the right to try cannabis as a medical therapy option.
Legal, but not yet effortless: cannabis extracts and flowers from the pharmacy
Our members have experienced a noticeable sense of liberation and seriousness since taking the step to see a doctor and receive a cannabis prescription. Legal access to high-quality cannabis medicines and flowers in pharmacies is a significant step forward, even if prices are still relatively high. However, one challenge lies in dosage, particularly with cannabis flowers, which are often prescribed in smaller quantities than needed. There is still a need for educational work among pharmacies and doctors in order to ensure optimal care. Patients with severe pain or ADHD in particular quickly need 100 grams of cannabis flowers or even more per month. This is what our experience shows.
Assuming costs requires patience
The difficulties also become apparent when costs are covered by health insurance companies or accident insurance companies, a process that requires patience and often several attempts. The combination of cannabis extracts and cannabis flowers can quickly become expensive and is difficult to afford if no support is provided. Many of our members need different forms of income. However, MEDCAN is confident that both prices and reimbursement will association in the future. Raising awareness of this issue is crucial and is at the top of our list so that patients will have unrestricted access to the medicine they need and can pay for it in the future.
Hardly any trained doctors
Another challenge for those affected is that many medical professionals are not yet sufficiently informed about how to correctly use cannabis for medical purposes. We see an important need for training and further education here, and we are pleased to see that various training opportunities already exist. Only trained medical professionals will make it easier for patients to access this therapy option in the long term.
A herbal remedy as an alternative
Cannabis has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, sleep-inducing, and mood-enhancing properties, to name a few. It is unfortunate that the medicinal properties of cannabis have been underutilized for many years due to misinformation and stigma. Prohibition banned the medical use of cannabis without any scientific background, even though it was a widely used drug at the time and sold in pharmacies. But the change to the Narcotics Act shows that changes are possible. It is important that patients insist on their right if they want to try cannabis medically. If your doctor is not willing to do this, then seek competent help elsewhere. Cannabis is a herbal remedy with moderate side effects. For many illnesses and conditions, medicinal use of cannabis is an alternative to pharmaceutical medications and is worth a try.
Patients’ experiences are important
Over the course of this year, MEDCAN has met with a wide range of companies and stakeholders in the medical use of cannabis. Everyone is interested in the patients' experiences because there is little knowledge available. It is all the more important that the affected patients talk about their experiences in order to show what medical benefits cannabis has. Unfortunately, this knowledge is missing from most doctors because prohibition prevented cannabis from being researched medically. It is all the more important that the Association MEDCAN passes on the experiences of its members and provides information about the new narcotics law. It fills us with pride to see that the Association has achieved such an important status.
Confidence and challenges
Despite these successful changes to the system, we recognize that the journey to easy and affordable access to medical cannabis is not yet complete. We are confident that a lot will change quickly. We are hearing from more and more patients that the costs are covered after several attempts. But we still see challenges. Nevertheless, medical professionals are showing interest in the use of cannabis and specialized pharmacies offer competent advice. That wasn't the case until recently. A lot has changed for the better in the course of 2023. We look to the future with confidence.
Outlook for 2024: The 10th anniversary of MEDCAN
We are particularly looking forward to 2024 because our Association was founded ten years ago. An anniversary year in which we would like to draw particular attention to the fact that the new narcotics law now makes the medical use of cannabis possible in Switzerland. Through information events and educational work, we will ensure that as many people as possible are informed about this therapy option. We are currently revising our website so that we can really get started again in 2024. Our commitment will not waver until all patients have access and can pay for their cannabis medications.
It must be possible to grow your own
It is our declared goal to ensure in the future that patients whose costs are not covered by health insurance or accident insurance despite a doctor's prescription are given the opportunity to grow their own cannabis for medical use. Regardless of financial hurdles, those affected should be able to support themselves without being criminalized. The main goal of the Association MEDCAN is to provide access to anyone and everyone who wants to use cannabis medicinally.
We would like to thank our members and supporters for their support. Together we create change and work for a better future. Your membership makes it possible!
Here’s to a successful and hopeful 2024!
