Overview

This bill aims to improve access to medical cannabis in England. It proposes creating a register of General Practitioners (GPs) who can prescribe cannabis, establishing a commission to review cannabis-based medicines, and ultimately making it easier for patients to obtain cannabis-based medicinal products through the National Health Service (NHS).

Description

The bill makes several key changes:

• GP Register for Cannabis Prescription: The General Medical Council will create a register of GPs who can prescribe cannabis-based products. Participation will be optional for GPs, and the General Medical Council will set out criteria and training requirements.
• Legalizing Prescriptions: The bill amends existing regulations to legally allow registered GPs in England to prescribe cannabis-based medicines to patients.
• Commission on Cannabis-Based Medicines: A commission will be established to assess cannabis-based medicines and recommend ways to improve NHS access. This commission will consider various evidence types, consult with relevant experts and stakeholders, and produce a report within six months of its establishment.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, costs will be associated with establishing and running the commission, updating the General Medical Council register, and potentially increased NHS expenditure for supplying medical cannabis to patients if prescriptions increase significantly. No specific budgetary allocation has been provided.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Patients: Patients with conditions that might benefit from medical cannabis could experience increased access to treatment, depending on the recommendations of the Commission and the decisions of their GPs.
• General Practitioners (GPs): GPs will have the option to undergo additional training and register to prescribe cannabis-based products. This could increase their workload.
• The NHS: The NHS might face increased costs for supplying cannabis-based medications, depending on demand.
• The General Medical Council: They will be responsible for maintaining the register of GPs permitted to prescribe medical cannabis and establishing the training and qualification guidelines.
• Pharmaceutical Companies: Increased demand for medical cannabis could lead to opportunities for companies that produce cannabis-based medicines.

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