Therapeutic Cannabis: where are we today ?
The project was brought by Olivier Véran, current Minister of Solidarity and Health, and was slightly delayed due to the health crisis, but it is finally here: the experimentation of therapeutic cannabis (or medical cannabis) is finally a reality in France since March 26, 2021.
This experimentation was launched in order to collect data on the efficacy and safety of therapeutic cannabis in addition to preparing the circuits of its availability (prescription, delivery, supply and follow-up of patients).
Who is concerned by this experimentation ? What are the actions of therapeutic cannabis ? We come back in detail on the case of therapeutic cannabis in France and in the world.
Therapeutic cannabis: experimentation in France but for whom ?
Thus, therapeutic cannabis is now legal under a two-year experiment (until March 2023) … but not for everyone.
Indeed, only a certain number of serious pathologies are concerned by the use of therapeutic cannabis:
- Neuropathic pain;
- Certain forms of severe epilepsy;
- Certain rebellious symptoms in oncology related to cancer or anti-cancer treatment;
- Certain palliative situations ;
- Painful spasticity accompanying certain diseases of the central nervous system (multiple sclerosis, etc.).).
Secondly, therapeutic cannabis can be prescribed to patients if there is insufficient relief or poor tolerance of the therapies available today (medicinal or otherwise).
In the end, 3,000 patients can participate in this experiment on a voluntary basis (individual initiative or suggestion of a doctor) in one of the 215 voluntary structures selected by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM).
This experiment is strictly supervised thanks to the joint work of doctors (specially trained for this occasion) and the ANSM, in charge of implementation and management.
Attention It cannot be smoked: therapeutic cannabis contains THC. As a narcotic, its possession and use are illegal in France. Only the patients selected in the framework of this experimentation can take advantage of the exemption to this general prohibition.
What is therapeutic cannabis ?
Therapeutic cannabis as described for this experiment is a form of cannabis containing both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The proportions of one and the other may vary according to the needs of each patient (doctor's prescription).
During this experimentation, therapeutic cannabis can be either inhaled (vaporization of flowering tops) or consumed orally (oil, tablet). It cannot be smoked.
What is CBD ?
Like THC, CBD is a component extracted from hemp (cannabis). However, this substance does not have the same effects as its cousin on our body.
Indeed, CBD is not psychotropic, does not generate a dependency effect and is very well tolerated in our body. CBD would have many beneficial effects such as soothing physical pain, reducing stress, facilitating sleep, etc.
Cannabidiol is not a narcotic and its use is therefore perfectly legal in France when consumed alone. Thus, even if you are not participating in the experimentation of therapeutic cannabis, you can legally and freely consume CBD from your home’elsewhere Click here to discover CBD-based products.
What are the actions of therapeutic cannabis ?
This French experiment aims to collect a certain number of data on the use of therapeutic cannabis. Nevertheless, experiments have already taken place around the world to study the actions of medical cannabis on the body.
Here are some potential actions of therapeutic cannabis according to science:
- Prevention of epileptic seizures;
- Appetite stimulation;
- Reduction of the side effects of chemotherapy ;
- Fight against depression;
- Soothing chronic pain (multiple sclerosis, etc.).) ;
- Reduction of tremors in Parkinson's disease;
- Limitation of the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Where are the regulations in the world ?
This experimentation of therapeutic cannabis is only a first step towards its possible legalization in France. On this subject, we are particularly late compared to our neighbors around the world.
It is North America that is finally ahead of its time â€" thanks to Canada (the first G7 country to legalize recreational cannabis) and the legalization of therapeutic cannabis in 33 of the 50 states of the United States.
In Europe, the trend is towards tolerance (Spain, Luxembourg…) while the Netherlands have legalized cannabis for several decades already.
Note: in a recreational setting, cannabis use remains illegal in a large majority of countries around the world.
Between decriminalization, tolerance and legalization, there is still a long way to go for cannabis !