This 12 months noticed some thrilling developments for hashish throughout Europe, however the UK’s medical hashish system should do extra to assist sufferers.
In 2022 new analysis confirmed promising potential for hashish to deal with ache, despair, Covid-19 and even Alzheimer’s; Germany introduced plans to legalise adult-use hashish; and the variety of medical hashish sufferers in Europe grew by roughly 100,000.
But 2022 additionally shone a blinding highlight on the complexity and complacency of the UK’s medical hashish system and uncovered the (many) boundaries going through sufferers in search of cannabis-based care. Can we hope for change in 2023?
Listed here are 22 articles protecting the important thing hashish subjects of 2022:
Cleansing up the UK’s messy medical hashish system
1. Landmark report reveals why many UK docs are usually not prescribing medical hashish
Greater than 40,000 specialist clinicians are eligible to prescribe hashish throughout the UK, however solely round 100 (0.25%) are actively doing so. Hashish have to be handled the identical as every other remedy if we wish to see mainstream prescribing within the UK, say docs. Uncover extra key findings from the report.
2. Revealed: ‘main disconnect’ between NHS and personal hashish prescribing
Greater than six in 10 NHS Basis Trusts in England (61%) say they didn’t prescribe any cannabis-based medicines in 2021. Simply 977 sufferers have been handled with cannabis-based medicines via the NHS in 2021, equating to 9 people per belief. But over 20,000 sufferers at present obtain unlicensed medical hashish merchandise privately for a variety of situations from continual ache to nervousness. Why the prescription hole between NHS and personal care?
3. Roughly 1.8million folks within the UK self-medicate with hashish 4 years on from legislation change
A big proportion of the inhabitants (48.6%) are nonetheless unaware that medical hashish is legally out there on prescription and has been since November 2018. Round 1.8million folks with recognized medical situations are turning to illegally obtained hashish to handle their sickness. Discover out why.
4. Why are some UK sufferers selecting legacy over authorized hashish?
Surveys spotlight that many sufferers within the UK nonetheless entry hashish remedy via the unlawful legacy market, regardless of hashish being legally out there on prescription since 2018. Hashish Well being explores why. Hear from sufferers.
5. GPs ought to prescribe medical hashish, says business evaluation
Business specialists advocate the roll-out of a nationwide trial which might see GPs permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal merchandise alongside specialist consultants. Amongst 20 suggestions made by the report, the authors counsel an ‘opt-in mannequin’ which might give GPs the choice to consent to prescribing cannabis-based medicines and taking part in knowledge assortment to assist inform future tips. What else does the report say?
6. 5 takeaways from the UK’s first hashish affected person convention
Sufferers got a platform to share their private journeys, in addition to their views on the present medical hashish panorama. The venue even offered a delegated out of doors vaping space to permit sufferers to devour their remedy on website. Discover our key insights from the convention.
7. Household left ‘reeling’ after NHS neurologist turns their again on hashish affected person
Medical hashish helped Louis Petit handle a uncommon type of epilepsy and stay seizure-free for 2 years. His neurologist was amazed by the impact medical hashish had on his seizures and was even keen to prescribe it via the NHS, however on the final second they withdrew assist out of the blue. However why?
8. Patient’s cannabis case sets new precedent in UK court
In a case that has been described as earmarking “a wind of change” for the UK, Andrew Baines, 46, has obtained the bottom attainable punishment for supplying lots of of sufferers with medical hashish. Learn more about Andrew’s story.
9. 10 key affected person takeaways from Hashish Europa
In a welcome transfer by the organisers, this 12 months a number of panels centered particularly on voicing the affected person perspective, digging deeper into the highs and lows of the sector because it stands at the moment. Out of all the data that was shared, we broke down a few of the key takeaways for present and potential medical hashish sufferers within the UK. Learn extra right here
In different information: hashish past the UK
10. Variety of authorized hashish sufferers in Europe grew by roughly 100,000 in 2022
The vast majority of folks in Europe now dwell in nations with some type of entry to medical hashish merchandise, says a brand new report. Roughly 342,000 sufferers legally use the therapy throughout the continent. However entry stays a problem for a lot of. Dive into the information.
11. Ukraine’s battle for medical hashish – the campaigners on the frontline
Whereas the warfare towards Russia rages on, medical hashish advocates in Ukraine say entry is important because the nation faces an impending psychological well being disaster. How can the worldwide hashish group assist? What ought to the long run appear to be for medical hashish in Ukraine? Hear from activists on the frontlines.
12. Medical hashish and being pregnant – what you might want to know
Whereas docs can not prescribe hashish throughout being pregnant within the UK, we all know that 1000’s of ladies do proceed to devour for a wide range of causes. We spoke to the specialists – and the ladies who felt it was the precise determination for them – to assist others make an knowledgeable selection. Discover out what they needed to say.
13. Germany’s official plans for hashish legalisation a ‘victory’ for customers
Minister of Well being Karl Lauterbach (SPD) introduced the 12 key factors of regulation to the nation’s Federal Cupboard. Underneath the proposals, hashish will now not be classed as a narcotic and residents over the age of 18 shall be free to hold as much as 30g of hashish for private use, with consumption in public areas permitted after 8pm. Discover out extra about Germany’s plans to legalise hashish.
14. Switzerland’s ‘Weed Care’ trial of adult-use hashish to launch January 2023
Switzerland’s so-called ‘Weed Care’ trial, the primary pilot program to check the consequences of adult-use hashish legalisation in Europe, is about to launch on the finish of January 2023. The research will assist inform ‘accountable’ hashish laws for the nation. Learn how the research will work.
15. OPINION: 5-year sentence for Eire hashish caregiver is ‘brutal’ and ‘wildly disproportionate’
Irish dad-of-two, Patrick Moore, was sentenced to 5 years for the cultivation and provide of hashish, a lot of which was donated to severely unwell sufferers. The tragic penalties shall be felt by many, writes good friend and long-time activist, Peter Reynolds. Study extra about Patrick and his hashish caregiving.
Hashish analysis: what the science says
16. Research suggests hashish might reduce severity of Covid-19 signs
Curiosity within the potential of hashish and cannabinoids to forestall or reduce the severity of Covid-19 signs is rising. In a single research, researchers famous that hashish customers entered hospital with decrease ranges of irritation than non-users and had “considerably higher” outcomes. How else might hashish alleviate Covid-19?
17. ‘Sturdy proof’ for hashish as therapy for Alzheimer’s, says evaluation
Researchers say that the potential neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids might have a task in treating widespread neurodegenerative illnesses, together with Alzheimer’s. A number of phytocannabinoids, terpenes and choose flavonoids demonstrated neuroprotection via a ‘myriad of mobile and molecular pathways’, the authors stated. Discover the proof.
18. Research finds no scientific foundation for the ‘lazy stoner’ stereotype
A typical stereotype of hashish customers is the ‘stoner’ – suppose The Dude in The Large Lebowski, or, extra not too long ago, Argyle in Stranger Issues. These are characters who’re usually depicted as lazy and apathetic. However this isn’t essentially the case. In accordance with new analysis, grownup and adolescent hashish customers are not any extra seemingly than non-users to lack motivation or be unable to get pleasure from life’s pleasure. What else does the research say?
19. New knowledge helps use of medical hashish for nervousness and despair
Canadian researchers surveyed over 7,000 sufferers authorised to entry medical hashish merchandise in what’s considered the most important research of its type. Findings present that sufferers with signs of tension and/or despair report sustained enhancements following the usage of hashish. Dive in deeper right here.
20. Largest ever cannabinoid trial on ache finds vital enchancment
Outcomes from a large-scale cannabinoid trial demonstrated ‘clinically significant’ enhancements in ache throughout the completely different formulations of CBD and uncommon cannabinoids studied. Involving greater than 1,600 members from throughout the US, the businesses stated the research is the primary of its type to look at the synergistic influence of uncommon cannabinoids like Cannabichromene (CBC) and Cannabigerol (CBG) on ache. What else did researchers uncover?
21. CBD helps offset nervousness introduced on by THC, finds scientific trial
Ever expertise nervousness or emotions of paranoia after consuming THC? A brand new scientific research means that individuals who devour hashish containing balanced quantities of THC and CBD report feeling much less anxious than they do after consuming THC-dominant hashish. Study extra about how CBD and THC complement one another.
22. Why you must select hashish based mostly on odor, not THC ranges – research
A brand new research was the primary to exhibit {that a} nice aroma – versus THC efficiency or dose– is related to a extra constructive expertise with inhaled hashish flower. The outcomes might have essential public well being implications, given the ‘well-established well being dangers of THC overuse’ say the authors. Discover out why the ‘Nostril is aware of’ greatest.