A successful therapy should not be a matter of luck
On August 1, 2022, an important step was taken in Switzerland: since then, doctors have been allowed to prescribe cannabis for medical purposes without a special permit from the federal government. For mich this finally meant safe, legal, and medically supervised treatment.
"Finally, I no longer have to worry about how to treat my pain and spasticity. This has given me back security and confidence."
Since my accident, I've been living with severe neuropathic pain and spasticity. Today, I receive medical care and get my cannabis flowers of certified quality from a specialized pharmacy. My accident insurance covers the costs. This has completely changed my daily life. Finally, I no longer have mich operate illegally to obtain my pain medication. I can live my life again without fear and look to the future with confidence.
"I am so grateful for this opportunity every day. At the same time, it saddens mich that it is still not a given for many others."
Several times a week, MEDCAN receives inquiries from people who, despite serious illnesses, cannot find a doctor willing to prescribe cannabis. Others do receive a prescription and medical supervision, but still have to pay for their cannabis medication themselves.
"It is difficult to understand that people have to forgo therapy even though it demonstrably helps them and could improve their quality of life."
Cannabis has been used as a medicinal plant for millennia and has a comparatively moderate side effect profile. Depending on the condition, it can alleviate pain, reduce spasticity, inhibit inflammation, improve sleep, and restore a degree of quality of life for many sufferers. Nevertheless, access remains unnecessarily difficult for many.
We repeatedly witness how cannabis reduces the need for other medications, improves daily life, reduces the frequency of medical visits, and generally improves quality of life. Therefore, cannabis is not only an opportunity for patients but also for our healthcare system.
When effective therapies contribute to improving the lives of those affected, promoting independence, and reducing doctor visits, hospitalizations, and subsequent costs, everyone ultimately benefits. These connections are still far too often overlooked in decisions regarding the reimbursement of medical cannabis therapies.
The change in the law was positive, and we now have better access than many other countries in Europe – but we are still far from our goal. We need more medical expertise, easier access to prescribing doctors, and transparent and comprehensible decisions by health and accident insurance companies that prioritize the well-being and health benefits of those affected.
If medically prescribed cannabis therapy demonstrably helps, it should not be denied to those affected. And it is high time that the experiences of patients are finally listened to and believed.
"Only when no one has to fight for effective treatment anymore will we have achieved our goal."
To mark the fourth anniversary of the law's amendment, I am publishing my personal statement, "Four Years of Prescribing Cannabis – A Retrospective as a Patient." In it, I tell my story and highlight the progress we have made – but also why far too many people still have to fight for effective and affordable cannabis therapy. Personal Statement
"As president of MEDCAN, I hope that in the future a functioning, safe and affordable cannabis therapy will no longer be a matter of luck, but will be accessible to everyone."
Franziska Quadri,
President of MEDCAN Switzerland
