The British Pharmacological Society welcomes the UK government’s decision – following expert review – to reschedule cannabis-derived medicinal products so they can be prescribed to patients who will benefit from them.
The decision to move cannabis-derived medicinal products from Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 to Schedule 2 recognises that these compounds have potential therapeutic benefit. In addition to supporting appropriate prescribing, this move should also make it easier to conduct research into the potential benefits and harms of such compounds.
The Society supports an evidence-based approach to drugs legislation. We look forward to continuing to work with the wider research community, the Home Office and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to ensure that UK legislation facilitates access to controlled drugs for healthcare and legitimate research, while continuing to protect patients and the public from harms.