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‘Take Medical Use Of Cannabis Seriously’ Say European MEPs One Year After Malta Legalised

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Nearly one year after Malta legalised medical cannabis for patients, the European Parliament has officially expressed its support for the medicine, with MEPs calling on member states to “seize the potential of cannabis-based medicines”.

“When effective, these medicines are to be covered by health insurance schemes in the same way as other types of medicine,” MEPs said in a statement.

MEPs have also called on member states to allow doctors to use their professional judgement in prescribing cannabis-based medicines.

“The regulation of cannabis-based medicines would translate into additional revenue for public authorities, would limit the black market and ensure quality and accurate labelling. It would also limit minors’ access to this substance,” according to MEPs.

In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, MEPs called on the Commission and national authorities to draw a clear distinction between medical cannabis and other uses of cannabis. The resolution urges the Commission and member states to address “regulatory, financial and cultural barriers which burden scientific research and invites them to properly fund research”.

Since being legalised, over 100 Maltese patients have used medical cannabis in Malta, with doctors reporting positive responses to the new medicine.

“The EU should embark on more research and stimulate innovation with regard to medicinal cannabis projects”

MEPs say that there is evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids may be effective in increasing appetite and decreasing weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS.

Medical cannabis may also help to alleviate the symptoms of mental disorders such as psychosis or Tourette syndrome, and to alleviate the symptoms of epilepsy, as well as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, asthma, cancer, Crohn’s disease and glaucoma. They also help to reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes and ease menstrual pain.

Whilst the WHO has officially recommended that the cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD) should not be classified as a controlled substance, legislation in member states differs widely on the subject of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

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READ NEXT: Maltese Doctors Interested In Prescribing Medical Cannabis As Stigma Begins To Subside

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]

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