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Pharmacists demand clear rules for medical cannabis
Marijuana for medical purposes
For years marijuana has been used in many countries around the world for medical purposes. Some patients use it for example against nausea or loss of appetite, which occur in the treatment of cancer. Multiple sclerosis (MS) has also been shown to have a health benefit from cannabis. And in a recent Canadian study, cannabis has recently been shown to help fight chronic pain and has few side effects.
Image: Jiri Hera - fotolia In Germany, the call for the full medical release of cannabis in recent years louder. Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe (CDU) recently announced that it will soon be possible for seriously ill patients to receive hashish by prescription. Now, the pharmacists also have their say. They demand clear rules for medical cannabis.
Three requirements must be fulfilled
The pharmacy wants to see three requirements met in the medical use of cannabis: First, cannabis, which is used for medical purposes, must have the necessary pharmaceutical quality. Secondly, medically prescribed cannabis, like other prescription medicines, may only be dispensed in pharmacies. Thirdly, medically prescribed cannabis must be reimbursed by statutory health insurance companies. The General Meeting of German Pharmacists decided on these claims by a large majority in the context of the German Pharmacists' Day.
Consistent quality only with controlled cultivation
The President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists, Dr. med. Andreas Kiefer: "The quality requirements must be scientifically sound and comprehensible. A consistent quality can only be guaranteed by a controlled cultivation with constant inspection, but not by a self-cultivation by the patients. "The delivery in the pharmacy is essential to ensure the necessary advice on the application. Kiefer continues: "The funds must pay for prescribed cannabis. It does not depend on the economic situation of the patients whether or not they have access to medically indicated therapy with cannabis. "
Accurate dosages are important
Pharmacists strongly recommend using cannabis only as a medicine with precisely dosed ingredients. It is already possible today for pharmacies to produce prescription medications with dronabinol, an active ingredient of the cannabis plant, as prescribed by the doctor. However, these would not be reimbursed by all public health insurance companies. The current different practice of the health insurance companies is unacceptable for affected patients, so Kiefer. (sb, ad)