Additionally, patients will be able to receive a three-month supply on a single prescription. This amendment to the regulation aims to expand access to medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis is most commonly prescribed for severe, persistent pain that does not respond to other treatments. It is also used as part of cancer treatment and for conditions such as chemotherapy side effects, AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Until now, around 250 doctors were authorized to prescribe medical cannabis, but this privilege will now extend to general practitioners as well. 

Additionally, medical cannabis will now be available to patients under 18 if they require palliative care, such as treatment for terminal illnesses or for children diagnosed with oncological or hemato-oncological conditions. Another significant change is that doctors will no longer need to report detailed information about every patient prescribed cannabis to the State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL) on an annual basis. 

The Czech parliament approved medical cannabis use in 2013, and the first patients gained access in 2014. Since 2020, health insurance providers have covered 90% of the cost, with a maximum reimbursement of 30 grams per month.

At the end of last year, the Czech government approved changes to cannabis regulations as part of a broader criminal law reform. The new rules would allow individuals to legally cultivate up to three cannabis plants with a THC content exceeding 1% and to possess up to 50 grams of cannabis in public or 25 grams at home. 

Compiled by the Dutch team of CzechTrade

Source: forbes.cz