The challenge – lack of information among doctors:
Medical professionals now bear full responsibility for prescribing cannabis. Unfortunately, many of them are insufficiently informed, or not informed at all, about its therapeutic possibilities. This uncertainty leads many physicians to refrain from prescribing it, despite their interest. For patients in Switzerland who could benefit from the diverse positive effects of cannabis, access thus remains difficult. Cannabis has proven to be an effective pain reliever and sedative, can inhibit inflammation, improve mood, and enhance concentration. It is a plant-based remedy with a broad spectrum of applications, but it is not yet sufficiently established in conventional medicine. This knowledge gap hinders the integration of cannabis into everyday medical practice, despite the changes in the Narcotics Act.
Pharmacies are only allowed to provide very limited information
Even pharmacies that have now specialized in cannabis are not permitted to offer comprehensive advice due to legal restrictions. Cannabis is a narcotic and cannot be advertised. Pharmacies are only authorized to follow the instructions on the prescription. These restrictions mean that patients often do not receive the necessary information, even in specialized pharmacies. One pharmacy was even warned by Swissmedic for providing too much helpful information on its website.
MEDCAN shares experiences and provides helpful information
Our patient organization fills this gap by providing comprehensive information to those affected and supporting them on their path to obtaining a prescription. By sharing patient experiences and disseminating knowledge about the medical use of cannabis, we make a significant contribution to raising awareness. We are essentially the only ones authorized to do this, as we share personal experiences. For nearly ten years, we have been working pro bono to inform chronically ill individuals about the medical use of cannabis. Our website and Telegram channel are currently among the few reliable sources of information on medical cannabis prescriptions. We finance our work through membership fees and corporate support, which, thanks to our bylaws, has no influence on our Association decisions. Our sole focus is on the well-being of cannabis patients, for whose benefit we advocate.
Why should I support MEDCAN with a membership?
As mentioned above, the existence of our patient organization remains crucial. We are the bridge between medical professionals and patients who rely on the therapeutic effects of the medicinal plant cannabis. It is essential that our work is supported – both by those affected and by the industry. Only in this way can we ensure that education continues to advance and that more and more doctors are willing to prescribe cannabis. To be successful in the long term, we aim to establish a stable Association with a secretariat that can focus more intensively on education and disseminate patients' experiences. Our work and lobbying are vital so that sick people in Switzerland have access to cannabis, prices become affordable, and the available forms of administration are expanded.
The 100,000 cannabis patients estimated by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) are being informed
It is particularly important to us that the over 100,000 people in Switzerland who are already illegally using cannabis for medicinal purposes are informed about the changes to the Narcotics Act. Many are still unaware that they can now take a legal route by obtaining a prescription from a medical professional. This information must be disseminated urgently so that everyone who could benefit actually has the opportunity to use this new treatment option. Apart from our Association , no one else is doing this educational work.
We also wish for support from official bodies
Our educational work currently focuses primarily on German-speaking Switzerland. Accessing information is still more difficult in Italian- and French-speaking Switzerland. Our website has now been translated into four languages, giving our Association the potential to provide comprehensive information throughout Switzerland. However, this is only possible if we can professionalize our efforts and receive support. To date, this vital work is carried out by patients, often requiring all their strength and energy. With targeted support, such as a 40-50% part-time secretarial position, we could be more accessible and work much more efficiently. Therefore, we urgently appeal to everyone, including the federal government and the cantons, to support our work.
MEDCAN remains vigilant
The amendment to the Narcotics Act has improved the situation for cannabis patients in Switzerland. Much has happened in the last two years, and the services available have improved. There are now doctors and pharmacies that specialize in and prioritize this issue. This is a welcome development. Nevertheless, obtaining a prescription still requires considerable personal initiative. Many problems persist. And for many, the costs remain unaffordable if they are not covered by health insurance. Unfortunately, this is still often the case, especially with cannabis flowers. This makes it all the more important that the MEDCAN Association draws attention to these problems. We remain the voice of those affected, highlighting injustices and disseminating accurate information. It is crucial that we are vigilant and advocate for the rights of cannabis patients. If we don't, no one else will.
Homegrown produce for patients:
A key demand of the Association remains the right to cultivate cannabis for personal use. In the future, we will advocate more strongly for those whose medical cannabis costs are not covered, or only partially covered, to have the right to grow their own. Regardless of financial constraints, those affected should have the opportunity to supply themselves with cannabis without being criminalized. MEDCAN also wants to take responsibility when it comes to the legalization of cannabis. Cultivating cannabis for personal use is essential for patients to ensure a continuous and cost-effective supply when their health insurance does not cover it.
Conclusion
The new law offers an opportunity for chronically ill patients, but without sufficient information and support, access to medical cannabis remains difficult. Our patient organization is working tirelessly to close this gap. We do all this work free of charge. With your support, we can continue and strengthen this important work and ensure that medical cannabis becomes accessible and affordable for everyone in Switzerland.
Support MEDCAN with a membership or a donationso that we can continue to act as a voice for patients and pave the way together for better medical cannabis care.
