The year 2023 was crucial for the cannabis industry in Europe. 🌿 Several important steps have been crossed, in particular the opening of stores of cannabis entirely legal for adult use in Swiss, the softening of the law linked to cannabis in Malta, and the establishment of a legal supply chain for Dutch coffee shops. In France, a battle was carried out for the putting in place widespread cannabis medical, facing many challenges along the way. This article will plunge into the French battle course for medical cannabis in 2023 and the progress made. 🇫🇷💚
Cannabis progression in Europe in 2023 🌿
Before diving into the French battle for medical cannabis, it is essential to highlight the overall progression of cannabis in Europe in 2023. According to the latest world report in Prohibition Partners, this year's advances have been more progressive than hazard. This means that although progress has been made, they are the result of long and arduous battles carried out by groups of patients, defenders and activists devoted to the cause. 🌍✨
Dates and battle for medical cannabis in France 🇫🇷
Let's go back in detail on some of these fierce battles across Europe in the past 12 months:
September 2022: the French pilot project
In September 2022, the French pilot project for medical cannabis approached its deadline in March 2023. Launched in March 2021, the project provided free medical cannabis to more than 2 000 patients during next to two years. It was largely expected that, as indicated by the government during the initial launch of the pilot project, medical cannabis was fully integrated into the French national health system after the pilot.
However, in September, the government proposed an amendment to extend the pilot project for an additional year, leaving patients and industry players wondering what would be the implications of this extension. Of the concern have been lifted concerning there generalization of cannabis medical And continuous free products for patients. The government claimed that the pilot project had not produced enough clinical results to decide its generalization.
February 2023: publication of clinical data
In February 2023, The first clinical data since the launch of the medical cannabis trial have been published, revealing an extremely positive response among the community of patients. According to data recently published by the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM), until October 18, 2022, 2 204 patients had participated in the test, of which 91% expressed their support to the legalization of cannabis medical In France.
However, it is important to note that the trial was mainly focused on collecting data on security and efficiency as a secondary objective, rather than determining the future of the generalization of medical cannabis. Despite these positive results, uncertainty surrounding the generalization plans of medical cannabis in France has remained. 🤔🌱
April 2023: challenges in the tender process
In April 2023, the tender process took an unexpected turn while companies refused to continue their participation due to significant costs. Initially, companies such asAurora Cannabis, Tilray, Panaxia And Little Green Pharma had replied positively to tenders to provide their products for free for French experimentation.
However, the compensation offered to participants was significantly lower than the minimum production costs of these companies. Reports suggested that more of the half of the patients Participant in the program were private access At treatment in reason of shortages supply. The French government had not allocated a budget for the program or finalized the regulatory framework for medical cannabis, encouraging experts to highlight the need for support from the industry to amplify the votes of patients. 😟
July 2023: Little Green Pharma won the second call for tenders
In July 2023, the Australian company Little Green Pharma (LGP), which already provided medical cannabis oil on the French pilot program since its launch, announced that it has won a second call for tenders. LGP said it would now provide up to $ 1.6 million ($ 77 per bottle) from its CBD50 medical cannabis oil for the French pilot project.
Lgp remained the most big supplier For the test, with about 85 % of more than 2,000 patients receiving their product. This victory was perceived as a positive step towards the insurance of a constant supply of medical cannabis for patients participating in the pilot project. However, concerns have been raised concerning dependence on a single supplier and the need for market diversification. 🤔
September 2023: exclusion from the social security financing law
In September 2023, the medical cannabis has suffered A reverse being excluded of the Law of Funding of the Security Social. 😞 The decision was a disappointment for patients and defenders who hoped for the inclusion of medical cannabis in the health system, thus guaranteeing accessibility and affordability for those who need it. This exclusion raised questions about the government's commitment to patient well-being and the recognition of medical cannabis as a legitimate treatment option.
October 2023: Confirmation of continuity
Despite the exclusion of the social security financing law, the project pilot French for medical cannabis received the confirmation of her continuation. 🌟 The government has announced that the project would be extended by an additional year, thus allowing a further collection and analysis of data. This decision was perceived as a glimmer of hope for patients who depended on medical cannabis for their well-being and demonstrated the government's recognition of the importance of the pilot project.
November 2023: amendment to the social security financing law
In November 2023, a amendment to the social security financing law was propose, aimed at reintroduce THE cannabis medical in the system of health. 🌿 The amendment has received significant support from groups of patients, health professionals and defenders who highlighted the potential advantages of medical cannabis for various conditions. The proposed amendment has focused on the need for complete regulation, patient access and the development of a sustainable medical cannabis market in France.
December 2023: final approval by the French Assembly
In December 2023, The Assembly French finally granted his approval Final for the integration of medical cannabis into the national health system. 🎉 This historic decision marked a significant victory for patients, defenders and industry players who had fought tirelessly for recognition of medical cannabis as a legitimate treatment option. Approval has open there way to the establishment of a walk regulated of cannabis medical, guaranteeing patient access, quality control and pursuit of research and development.
Conclusion 😊
The battle for medical cannabis in France in 2023 was a roller coaster of challenges, reverse and triumphs. From the extension of the pilot project to the publication of positive clinical data, including the challenges of the tender process, the exclusion of the social security financing law and final approval by the Assembly French, each step has shaped the future of medical cannabis in the country. Although there have been moments of uncertainty and disappointment, the ultimate victory for the integration of medical cannabis in the national health system marks a turning point in patient care and recognition of the therapeutic cannabis potential.🌿
Frequently asked questions
Is medical cannabis legal in France?
Yes, medical cannabis has been legalized and integrated into the national health system in France.
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What conditions can be dealt with with medical cannabis in France?
Medical cannabis can be prescribed for various conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and nausea induced by chemotherapy.
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How can patients access medical cannabis in France?
Patients can access medical cannabis through their doctors who will prescribe the appropriate dosage and product.
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Are there restrictions on medical cannabis in France?
Yes, medical cannabis is subject to strict regulations and can only be obtained through health care providers and authorized pharmacies.
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What is the future of medical cannabis in France?
With the integration of medical cannabis into the national health system, the future seems promising for the continuation of research, development and accessibility of medical cannabis in France.
🚨 Warning 🚨
The information provided in this article on medical cannabis in France is only informative. Although efforts have been made to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of information, it is important to note that the laws and regulations can evolve and vary. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult official sources, such as health authorities and government organizations, to obtain the most recent and precise information on the legal status of medical cannabis in France.
This article does not in any case replace the professional opinion of a doctor or a health professional. Decisions relating to the use of medical cannabis must be made in consultation with qualified health professionals, taking into account the individual needs of each patient.
The author and publishers decline any responsibility for the consequences arising from the use of the information provided in this article. Readers are invited to exercise their own judgment and discretion before making decisions based on the information presented here.
Finally, this warning is subject to modification without notice to reflect legislative or regulatory developments.
Sources:
https://businessofcannabis.com/2023-spotlight-frances-battle-for-medical-cannabis/
https://businessofcannabis.com/france-reports-highly-positive-patient-response-to-medical-cannabis-trial-but-results-unlikely-to-impact-decision-to-legalise/
https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/topic-overviews/content/drug-law-penalties-at-a-glance_en
https://ansm.sante.fr/dossiers-thematiques/cannabis-a-usage-medical/nos-reponses-a-vos-questions-sur-lexperimentation-du-cannabis-medical
