Patients in Gibraltar will finally get access to medical cannabis.
HM Government of Gibraltar recently announced the publication of the Drugs (Misuse) (Amendment) Regulations 2019, which amend the Drugs (Misuse) Regulations 2005. The Regulations provide for the supply and possession of medical cannabis in Gibraltar for use in limited circumstances.
Medical cannabis in Gibraltar
Registered medical practitioners working in the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) will be authorised to supply certain products to patients. However, before being permitted to authorise the supply of cannabis-based products, each practitioner will first be required to complete appropriate training in respect of the use of these products.
The GHA will ensure that practitioners are provided with initial training and thereafter from time to time.
Acting Medical Director, Dr Krishna Rawal, said: “To me, this represents a milestone in healthcare in Gibraltar. Extensive research and consultation has gone into this project, and I am beyond delighted to be a key part of this initiative.
“I am extremely keen to always provide patients with as many options as possible for their medical treatment, recovery, and their return to good health and wellbeing. In my considered view, cannabis oil certainly has its place in the modern medical care of some patients.
“Over time, I am certain that the increased use of cannabis for medical purposes will generate overwhelming evidence in support of its use.”
Patient access
Patients will not be able to smoke their medical cannabis and practitioners will regulate the supply of certain cannabis-based products.
It will now be possible for practitioners to prescribe medical cannabis to patients who have been diagnosed as suffering from any of the following conditions:
- moderate to severe muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis that has failed to respond to standard medications;
- severe, refractory epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard medications;
- severe and life-altering pain that has failed to respond to standard and rising levels of pain control medications; and
- intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy despite the use of standard treatments under supervision.
The medical conditions that will be treated under the regulations are those that have the weight of evidence to support the success of cannabis as part of an overall treatment regime.
Each product must be specifically approved by the GHA as safe and effective, in full consultation with practitioners, before being authorised for supply under the regulations.
The authority to supply approved cannabis-based products to the public is to be limited to the GHA pharmacy located at St. Bernard’s Hospital. The availability of all products which are currently obtainable from local pharmacies, by prescription or otherwise, will not be affected by the Regulations.
The government’s medical advisers will review the success of cannabis and consider extending the scope of the medical conditions for which doctors will be able to recommend its use.
