First, I researched online on my own to see if there was any information available about the medical prescription of cannabis flowers. Then, we also discussed the best approach to obtaining a prescription within the MEDCAN Association and at the January patient meeting. My research only yielded vague information about what Swiss patients could expect in the future. However, once I was certain it was indeed possible, I immediately contacted my login . She readily agreed to change my prescription to flowers. She, too, had heard rumors that this was now possible. Together, we compiled what we already knew.
Not much is known yet
We found out the name of one of the Swiss producers and that these flowers are currently being imported from Denmark and the Netherlands until the Swiss medicinal flowers are ready. Both Neuro login and I knew that, as usual, the health insurance wouldn't cover the cost of the cannabis flowers. But that's not an obstacle. I've been paying for my prescribed cannabis drops myself for over a year now. So, for the time being, I'll have to pay for the cannabis flowers myself as well. That's what I expect. Which makes it all the more important that the price of the flowers is affordable.
New narcotics law, but no information
I'm surprised that Switzerland now has a new law allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis directly, but nobody seems prepared or knows how to implement it. This doesn't help those affected and doesn't solve the problem. So I'll continue to wait patiently and look forward with anticipation to what happens next.
My reality is daily pain
Waiting isn't really an option. The pain is unbearable right now, but I don't want to buy another bottle of drops just for this, especially since I have a new, stronger medication on the horizon – cannabis flowers. Enduring this and continuing to rely on the black market only helps to a limited extent and is risky for my health. I want to finally change this uncertainty and gain safe and controlled access. With the prescription for cannabis flowers, I'm hopeful that in the future I'll find the right strain that helps alleviate the symptoms of my illness and optimally treats my body.
Which cannabis flowers are available on the market?
Cannabis patients need different cannabis strains and methods of administration. You see that abroad. I know what I need, and that's why I have a few questions. Which strains can be prescribed? Is the terpene profile taken into account? Will the dispensing process be patient-friendly? Will I be prescribed different flowers that are tailored to my current daily condition and needs? These are things that are important to me. I don't want a prescription and then have to pay for cannabis flowers that don't work properly.
A lot of effort for my neuro login
My login contacted me again in January 2023 with further information. Now we know more: price lists, availability and stock levels, purchase price (5g at CHF 80), quality (PHH, GID), country of origin NL, and the potency of 24% (variable between 20% and 28%). Dosage instructions must be provided by my login . And that's the next sticking point. She has no experience and is therefore unsure about the dosage. She recommended that I find someone who can provide dosage instructions for my diagnosis. I intervened immediately and pointed out that if we didn't dare to take the first step now, my chance of finally finding a consistent medication for my needs would be ruined. I'll generously overlook the fact that only one strain is currently offered. Besides, I wanted to avoid another ordeal. My login was more than willing and convinced to prescribe the cannabis flowers for me. I didn't want to go searching for someone else.
Cooperation between doctor and patient is key
I persisted, and so we discussed further steps. She wanted to know exactly how I consume the black market cannabis flowers and how I dose them. I told her about the advantages of vaporizing and was transparent about my consumption habits. She knows about my joints, vapes, edibles, and the approximate amount I consume. I can't really estimate this myself without lab tests. I really feel that my login is interested in the topic and is listening to me. Furthermore, my condition is relatively unknown, so dosage recommendations are lacking. She promised to consider a suitable dosage, as she still has some safety concerns. I can understand this, since she bears the responsibility. Personally, I don't understand her concerns. I'm now waiting for her suggestion.
Further details regarding the prescription of the flowers
My login has since uncovered some more important information. The flowers are dispensed in pre-filled capsules, which are opened before vaporization. I had specifically requested beforehand that the flowers must not be crushed at the pharmacy under any circumstances to avoid any loss of quality. I guess I'll have to live with that for now. They want to ensure I receive the correct dosage with these capsules. For me, that means 20g, divided into 50 capsules with a THC content of 100mg. The cost is approximately 650 CHF.
High costs, limited selection – but it's a start
The announced price is very high for me. Never mind, I'll have to get through this. I want a legal source. I'm hoping, of course, that the prices will be adjusted and, above all, that health insurance companies will start rethinking their approach and financially support patients undergoing cannabis therapy. Otherwise, I won't be able to afford legal cannabis flowers in the future.
I waiting for the prescription.
It's the end of January, Monday, January 30, 2023 to be precise. Why am I emphasizing this so explicitly? As of today, cannabis for Recreational Consumption is available in pharmacies in Basel through a pilot project. This is truly a day of joy. I wouldn't have believed that this would be possible in Switzerland so quickly. Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for a decision regarding my medical cannabis. As a patient, this fact leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. How can this be? In my opinion, patients should have been given priority. Recreational Consumption are benefiting from this change, while sick people are waiting impatiently. That's not fair!
