Scotland’s first medical cannabis clinic opened in June 2021. The clinic prescribes unlicensed cannabis-based medicines to patients.
The Sapphire Medical Clinic in Stirling, Scotland serves people who have conditions that do not meet the criteria for National Health Service (NHS)-prescribed cannabis products, such as chronic pain. Furthermore, the clinic received approval in March. There is certainly a huge demand for their services already. As a result, Sapphire Medical Clinic has already received hundreds of requests for appointments. However, cannabis in Scotland is becoming more accessible.
There is a Large Demand for Medical Cannabis Products in Scotland
There is a huge need for private clinics that are willing and also able to prescribe unlicensed products. The only medicines prescribed by the NHS are Epidyolex for childhood epilepsy, Nabilone for chemotherapy patients, and also Nabiximols (Sativex) for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, that’s changing.
Photo by R+R Medicinals on Unsplash
The Sapphire Medical Clinic chief pharmacist, Carl Holvey, said most of Sapphire Medical Clinic’s patients don’t qualify for NHS medications. Furthermore, the NHS often refuses to cover the cost of treatment.
“We are working to gather real-world evidence and clinical data to support the use of these medicines. Hopefully, the data will be used by the authorities to develop the knowledge base to show these medicines are effective … and cost-effective, so they can be used on the NHS.”
Sapphire Medical Clinic chief pharmacist, Carl Holvey
Clinicians Often Prescribe Unlicensed Medical Marijuana in Scotland
A Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) spokesperson said unlicensed cannabis-based medicines should be prescribed only “where there is clear published evidence of benefit” and where there is a “clinical need which cannot be met by licensed medicines and where established medicines have been exhausted.”
Independent clinics must follow proper precautions. The clinics need to conduct consultations, make informed assessments, and obtain patient consent. Patients need to understand the risks, benefits, and potential side effects of their treatment or medication.
Most importantly, clinicians need to give all the information to patients. They need to understand that the treatment has limited evidence of effectiveness.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Unlicensed Cannabis Medicines in Scotland Must be Prescribed Ethically
“This is done safely by ensuring a robust process of clinical assessment, offering treatments only where available licensed products have not shown to be beneficial, and by closely monitoring the clinical response of patients following treatment.”
Dr. Tara Shivaji, a consultant at Public Health Scotland
“These same principles apply to cannabis-based medical products. Good quality clinical trials into the efficacy and safety of these products are urgently required in order to support prescribing clinicians and ensure quality care for patients,” said Shivaji.
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