The challenge – lack of information among doctors
Medical professionals now have full responsibility for prescribing cannabis. Unfortunately, many of them are only inadequately or not at all informed about the therapeutic options. This uncertainty means that many doctors forego prescribing despite being interested. Access therefore remains difficult for patients in Switzerland who could benefit from the diverse positive effects of cannabis. Cannabis has been proven to be an effective pain reliever and sedative, and can reduce inflammation, improve mood and promote concentration. It is a herbal remedy with a wide range of uses, but is not yet sufficiently established in conventional medicine. This gap in knowledge makes it difficult to integrate cannabis into everyday medical practice despite the change in the Narcotics Act.
Pharmacies are only allowed to provide very limited information
Even pharmacies, some of which have even specialized in cannabis, are not allowed to offer comprehensive advice due to legal restrictions. Cannabis is a narcotic and may not be advertised. Pharmacies are only authorized to follow the information written on the prescription. These restrictions mean that patients often do not receive the information they need, despite specialized pharmacies. One pharmacy was even warned by Swissmedic because it had provided too much helpful information on its website.
MEDCAN shares experiences and provides helpful information
Our patient organization steps into this gap to provide those affected with comprehensive information and to support them on the way to getting a prescription. By exchanging patient experiences and disseminating knowledge about the medical use of cannabis, we make an important contribution to education. We are actually the only ones who are allowed to do this because we pass on personal experiences. For almost ten years we have been working free of charge to inform chronically ill people about the medical use of cannabis. Our website and Telegram channel are currently one of the few reliable sources of medical cannabis prescription information. We finance our work through membership fees and the support of companies, which, thanks to our statutes, have no influence on our Association decisions. Our only interest is in the affected cannabis patients, for whose well-being we are committed.
Why should I support MEDCAN with a membership?
As stated above, the existence of our patient organization remains important. We are the bridge between medical professionals and patients who rely on the soothing effects of the medicinal plant cannabis. It is crucial that our work is supported – both by those affected and by industry. This is the only way we can ensure that education continues to progress and that more and more doctors are prepared to issue cannabis prescriptions. In order to be successful in the long term, we aim to build a stable Association with a secretariat that deals more intensively with the topic of education and can pass on patients' experiences. Our work and our lobbying are important so that sick people in Switzerland have access to cannabis, prices are affordable and forms of consumption are expanded.
Inform the 100,000 cannabis patients estimated by the BAG
It is particularly important to us that the more than 100,000 people in Switzerland who are already using cannabis illegally medically are informed about the changes to the Narcotics Act. Many do not yet know that they can now take a legal route through a prescription from a medical professional. This information urgently needs to be disseminated so that everyone who can benefit from it actually has the opportunity to take advantage of this new treatment option. Apart from our Association no one is doing this educational work.
We would also like support from official bodies
Our educational work is currently taking place primarily in German-speaking Switzerland. In Italian and French Switzerland it is even more difficult to obtain information. Our website has now been translated into four languages. Our Association has the potential to provide comprehensive information throughout Switzerland. However, this is only possible if we can professionalize ourselves and receive support. Until now, this important work has been carried out by patients. They often need all their strength and energy to do this. With targeted support, for example through a 40-50% secretarial position, we could be more accessible and work much more efficiently. We are therefore making an urgent appeal to everyone, including the state and the cantons, to support our work.
MEDCAN remains vigilant
The change in the Narcotics Act has improved the situation of cannabis patients in Switzerland. A lot has happened in the last two years and the offering has gotten better. There are now doctors and pharmacies who have specialized and are prioritizing the topic. This is a welcome development. Nevertheless, it still takes a lot of initiative to come up with a recipe. There are still many problems. And for many, the costs remain unaffordable if they are not supported by health insurance. Unfortunately, this is still often the case, especially with cannabis flowers. It is all the more important that the Association MEDCAN draws attention to these problems. We remain the finger-wagging of those affected by pointing out grievances and passing on the correct information. It is crucial that we pay attention and advocate for the rights of cannabis patients. If we don't do that, no one will.
Home cultivation for patients
A central demand of the Association remains the cultivation of cannabis. In the future, we will work harder to ensure that those affected whose costs for the medical use of cannabis are not or only partially covered are given the right to grow their own cannabis. Regardless of financial restrictions, 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. Growing your own is essential for patients to ensure continuous and cost-effective supply if they are not supported by their health insurance.
Conclusion
The new law offers an opportunity for chronically ill patients, but without sufficient education and support, access to the medical use of cannabis remains difficult. Our patient organization is working tirelessly to close this gap. We do all of this work free of charge. With your support, we can continue and strengthen this important work and ensure that the medical use of cannabis becomes accessible and affordable for everyone in Switzerland.
Support MEDCAN with a membership or donation so that we can continue to act as a voice for patients and work together to pave the way to better medical cannabis care.
