Since August 2022, all Swiss doctors have been authorized to prescribe cannabis-based medicines. This amendment to the Narcotics Act was hailed as a significant step towards improving access to medical treatment with cannabis. However, a recent court ruling demonstrates that the practical implementation of this law still faces numerous obstacles.
The patient in question, a member of our Association , received a prescription for cannabis to treat his ADHD and improve his quality of life. Despite a legitimate prescription from his doctor, his applications for financial assistance were rejected by both his health insurance and disability insurance. In a desperate attempt to pay for his medication, he turned to social services, which also refused to cover the costs, a decision now upheld by the court.
Here you can find the newspaper article about the administrative court ruling.
Statement by the Medical Cannabis Association Switzerland:
"It is unacceptable that patients are forced to take highly addictive pharmaceuticals that endanger their health before they have access to a natural remedy. The current system promotes medically prescribed dependencies on pharmaceuticals while simultaneously trying to combat street drug addiction. This contradiction must be addressed urgently.".
Cannabis is a medicinal remedy with a centuries-old tradition. It has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, relaxing, and anxiolytic properties and can positively influence focus, mood, and mental health. These diverse therapeutic applications make it a valuable addition to medicine. The benefits of cannabis, especially for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, are well-documented scientifically. Many find relief from their symptoms and can reduce their dependence on other medications. Nevertheless, the medical community has been hesitant to support this alternative treatment option.
Despite its proven benefits, the stigma surrounding the medical use of cannabis persists. This means that significant personal initiative is still required to use it for medical purposes. Unfortunately, some patients are still forced to resort to the black market to obtain their medication, which carries legal and health risks. Furthermore, the financial burden of "medical cannabis" remains a considerable obstacle for most, as only a few currently receive reimbursement from their health insurance.
For almost 10 years, the MEDCAN Association has been advocating for the rights of cannabis patients. We are committed to raising awareness, sharing our experiences, educating the public, and thereby advancing political change that makes cannabis a viable and accessible treatment option for everyone.
We urge you, as members of the media, to support our efforts and to raise awareness about the unjust stigma surrounding medical cannabis use. The Federal Office of Public Health estimates that there are over 100,000 people in Switzerland who are currently receiving illegal medical treatment. These patients want to finally find an affordable way to legalize their use.
Medical 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.
Your membership or donation to the Association MEDCAN helps us to continue raising awareness of the difficulties faced by cannabis patients and to improve access to the medical use of cannabis.
