Despite the revision, much remains unclear
Until now, over 100,000 sick people in Switzerland have had to resort to illegal self-medication with cannabis, according to estimates from the Federal Office of Public Health. Only a few thousand obtain cannabis-based medicines from pharmacies – now without a permit. However, these products are still limited and expensive. Therapy tailored to individual symptoms, using different methods of administration and cannabis strains, is not yet possible. This is about to change.
Prescription via magistral prescription
Responsibility for treatment now lies with medical professionals. Doctors can prescribe cannabis via a magistral prescription. This exempt cannabis-based medicine is then prepared in the pharmacy for the patient according to the doctor's prescription. This is according to the Swiss Society for Cannabis in Medicine, published in the Ärztezeitung (Medical Journal). In the future, individually tailored cannabis extracts should therefore be available. And hopefully, other forms of administration, such as ointments or suppositories, will also become possible. Patients also desire access to cannabis flowers for vaporization, as is the case in Germany. The decision as to whether this form of administration will be made medically available in Switzerland currently rests with the cantonal pharmacists. We will provide further information as soon as it becomes available.
Lack of medical training
The problem is that doctors have insufficient knowledge about the medical applications of cannabis. This is understandable, as their training doesn't yet cover its use in medicine. However, the new law relies on their expertise. They are required to provide precise information about the ingredients (e.g., THC/CBD ratio) on compounded prescriptions and don't know which cannabis-based medications are suitable for which conditions. These are difficult prerequisites for prescribing and deter many from engaging with the topic. They feel uncertain and are reluctant to invest the time and effort required to acquire the necessary knowledge. Without the commitment of doctors, however, access to cannabis is impossible. On the other hand, there are patients who have been managing their own health for years and know exactly what they are doing. They have a wealth of experience. These patients now depend on medical support. Therefore, it's crucial to engage in an understanding and constructive dialogue. We would be happy to offer some tips on how you might be able to obtain cannabis-based medication through your own initiative.
Insist on your right to use cannabis for medical purposes
Many tell us that they are not taken seriously despite the new narcotics law. This will take time. However, insist politely but firmly on your rights and refer to the new law. It clearly confirms the medical benefits. And ask your doctors to pursue further training. There are good opportunities available today. The 12th IACM Conference on Cannabinoids in Medicine take place in Basel on October 21st and 22nd. There, you can learn about the medical applications of cannabis and hear from leading experts on the topic. And this summer, the interprofessional training course "Cannabis as Medicine: From Plant to Patient" offered by the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland. There are no new dates available yet, but if you are interested, ask about a repeat of this interesting training course.
Tell us about your experiences
Have you found a way? Are you receiving legal cannabis-based medicines? Which ones? How did you proceed? Are you allowed to tell us your doctor's name? MEDCAN is collecting information and passing it on to patients. This way, we can help each other in the initial phase of the new law, support doctors, and fill in the knowledge gaps. Cannabis is a blessing for many chronically ill people. It can be used for a wide variety of illnesses and ailments . For this reason, studies on efficacy and dosage are not yet available for all indications. However, there are countless anecdotal reports and longitudinal studies worldwide that describe successful treatments without long-term side effects. Cannabis is particularly helpful in opiate substitution therapy and pain management.
Access is only possible if the price drops
The new narcotics law is here, and as mentioned, some questions remain. We sincerely hope these will be answered in the coming months. Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, or attend our patient meetings. We share the latest information there. One of the biggest concerns for those affected is still the price. If health insurance companies don't cover cannabis-based medicines, a two-tier system will emerge, with only the wealthy able to afford them. It's difficult for sick people to pay for medication themselves. Currently, cannabis-based medicines are not reimbursed by mandatory health insurance. This is unlikely to change anytime soon. Therefore, MEDCAN advocates for patients to cultivate their own cannabis. A scientific study of experiences with self-cultivation and self-medication would also provide valuable evidence for the future.
Become a member of the Association and support our work!
