In 2018, the UK government made a much-publicised amendment to its drug policy, allowing for the prescription of cannabis for medical purposes.
This was hailed as a progressive step, but the reality has been far from it. The amendment is nothing but a smokescreen that has done little to alleviate the suffering of patients who could benefit from medical cannabis.
The policy change has not translated into easy access for patients, and this is nothing short of a travesty of justice. It’s a slap in the face for those who believed that the UK was finally aligning its outdated drug policies with scientific evidence and human compassion.
The Suffering Behind Closed Doors
The study conducted by Helen Beckett Wilson and Lindsey Metcalf McGrath is significant in that it is the first qualitative study to delve into the experiences of people who have been prescribed cannabis in the UK. What it reveals is heartbreaking.
Patients have reported significant improvements in their mental and physical health after using cannabis.
Yet, they face insurmountable barriers, including lack of funding, bureaucratic red tape, and a lack of training for healthcare providers. This is not just policy failure; this is a violation of human rights.
The Stigma – A Double Whammy
As if the physical and mental suffering wasn’t enough, patients have to deal with the social stigma attached to cannabis use.
The ongoing criminalisation of cannabis in the UK has led to a situation where patients are stigmatised and marginalised.
This is a double whammy for patients who are already dealing with debilitating conditions. The UK government’s lack of action is perpetuating this harmful stigma, and it’s high time this changed.
Untold Social Harms
The study employs a zemiological approach to shed light on the social harms caused by the UK’s cannabis policy. This approach looks at the societal and structural level suffering that is often hidden but is a direct consequence of policy failure.
The study identifies three types of harms: physical/mental health harms, autonomy harms, and relational harms.
This is not just about policy; this is about human suffering on a grand scale. The government’s failure to act is causing untold harm to its citizens, and this is unacceptable.
The Ignorance of Real-world Evidence
The UK’s reluctance to acknowledge real-world evidence is not just frustrating; it’s infuriating. Project Twenty21 is providing valuable data on the efficacy of medical cannabis, yet the government turns a blind eye.
This raises questions about whether this ignorance is deliberate. Are they ignoring evidence to suit their own agenda? If so, this is a gross misuse of power that is causing unnecessary suffering.
It’s High Time for a Radical Overhaul
The study concludes by making recommendations for equality in patient access and the need for education and policy change.
But these are not just recommendations; these are urgent calls for action. The UK government needs to wake up and realise the harm it is causing.
The time for a radical overhaul of the UK’s medical cannabis policy is now. Anything less is a betrayal of the people it is supposed to serve.
