Many patients report that they are not taken seriously by their doctors when they ask for a cannabis prescription. Some practices systematically refuse to prescribe it or falsely claim that only specialists are authorized to do so. This refusal and lack of support significantly hinder access to effective therapy.
Stigmatization and lack of information
A key problem is the ongoing stigmatization of the medical use of cannabis. Prejudice and ignorance lead many patients to hesitate to openly communicate their needs for fear of not being taken seriously. This attitude blocks access to effective treatment and hinders the integration of cannabis as a therapeutic tool into everyday medical practice. Another obstacle is the inadequate training and education of medical professionals. Although there are already specialized physicians who offer competent advice and prescribe cannabis, there are very few of them, and they are primarily located in German-speaking Switzerland. Comprehensive training is urgently needed to disseminate knowledge about the medical applications of cannabis and improve care.
Financial hurdles and gaps in care
Besides stigmatization and a lack of information, there are also financial hurdles. Health insurance companies rarely cover the cost of cannabis flowers, and although extracts are somewhat easier to finance, they are very expensive compared to flowers. This represents a significant financial burden for those affected and makes obtaining the medication from a pharmacy difficult. Correct cannabis dosage also remains a challenge. Many patients who have self-medicated for years know exactly what dosage they need. Nevertheless, this experience is often ignored and dismissed as unscientific, leading to inadequate care despite existing prescriptions.
Support from the Medical Cannabis Association Switzerland
Our Association is committed to resolving these issues and facilitating access to medical cannabis. We offer support to patients and are happy to share our extensive experience with medical professionals. An open letter, which patients can print or email to their doctors, aims to raise awareness that cannabis can now be prescribed medically and that they should receive support when requesting it.
Conclusion
The medical use of cannabis has the potential to help many sick people. These people expect medical professionals to familiarize themselves with the new possibilities of cannabis prescription and to be open to this form of therapy in order to ensure the best possible treatment for those affected.
Let us work together to ensure that cannabis is recognized as an equal medicine and that sick people are provided with the best possible therapy.
Here you can download the letter for your doctor in 4 languages :
