Parliamentary Debate: Calls for NHS Medical Cannabis Reimbursement

A Westminster Hall debate attended by cross-party MPs has renewed calls for the creation of an NHS reimbursement scheme for medical cannabis prescriptions. Currently, the vast majority of patients must pay for their medication privately, with costs typically ranging from 200 to 600 GBP per month depending on product and dose. Conservative MP Crispin Blunt and Labour MP Jeff Smith were among those calling for a review of the current system, arguing that the separation between NHS clinical guidance and private prescription availability creates an unacceptable two-tier system. "We have licensed doctors confirming these treatments are clinically appropriate, but patients can't access them on the NHS," Mr. Smith told the Chamber. Health Minister replied that NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) continues to evaluate cannabis-based medicines on a product-by-product basis, and that the government remains committed to ensuring treatments are only made available on the NHS when there is sufficient clinical evidence. Several cannabis products are already available on NHS prescription for specific indications, including Epidyolex for certain forms of epilepsy. Patient groups estimate that more than 50,000 people in the UK currently access medical cannabis through private prescriptions.