From stories making mainstream headlines in the UK, to regulatory developments across the globe, catch up on the latest news in the medical cannabis sector with Maple Tree's monthly digest. Sign up to the Cannabis Report at the bottom of the page to receive in your inbox every month.
🧑⚕️ NHS accused of ‘failing patients’ as new figures show lack of prescriptions
New figures obtained by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) have highlighted the lack of prescribing of both unlicensed and licensed cannabis medicines, including Epidyolex and Sativex, in the NHS. In total, 1,104 patients were prescribed licensed cannabis medicines in 2023, an increase of just 127 patients compared to 2021. Meanwhile, the number of children prescribed these medicines actually fell during this timeframe.
CIC Chairs have called for the NHS to “take action” to expand public funding of cannabis-based medicines, accusing the service of “failing patients in desperate need”.
🏆 Women recognised at inaugural Cannabis Industry Awards
Two well-deserving industry champions were recognised at the inaugural Cannabis Industry Awards Dinner on Thursday 7 November. Both awards were won by women in the industry with Dr Callie Seaman of Aqualabs and Medcan Family Foundation, being recognised for her contribution to science, and Heidi Whitman, EmpowHER Cannabis Society for her social impact.
Professor Mike Barnes spoke at the event, sharing an update on the T21 study. He highlighted highly positive findings, including significant improvements in anxiety, PTSD, quality of life, general health, and pain. Notably, the benefits were observed across all age groups, with results at three months persisting for at least 12 months. Professor Barnes emphasised the need for continued funding to build on these promising results.
The event, run by the CIC, MCCS, and Drug Science, was attended by 140 industry leaders, doctors, and patient representatives. Read more via the CIC.
🧒🏻 BBC highlights lack of paediatric access
Maple Tree’s Prof Mike Barnes was interviewed by BBC Radio Norfolk on the lack of NHS prescriptions for children diagnosed with severe treatment resistant epilepsy. He joined Medcan Family Foundation’s Matt Hughes to discuss the need for innovation in clinical trials, the lack of prescribers and the evidence-base to support the use of cannabinoids in treating seizures.
Prof Barnes said:
“There's a 96% chance of seizures reducing if they try cannabis, that's a remarkable reduction… in 10 to 15% of those children the seizures will stop, and in nearly 80% seizures will be reduced by at least half. This is remarkable given the fact that every other licensed anticonvulsant drug on the market hasn't worked for these children.”
📆 Patients take medical cannabis on the road
Throughout Medical Cannabis Awareness Week, patient advocates visited a number of major cities around the UK to share their personal experiences in a bid to broaden understanding of legal routes to accessing cannabis-based medicines.
Led by patient advocacy group, PatientsCann UK, campaigners took to the streets in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff and London as well as exhibiting at RISE4Disability’s regional conference in Glasgow on Tuesday 5 November.
💜 Experts join Medcan Family Foundation to discuss paediatric access
Medcan Family Foundation hosted a podcast exploring the barriers facing children in accessing CBPMs in the UK, featuring Maple Tree’s own Hannah Deacon, Matt Hughes, Dr Simon Erridge (Curaleaf Clinic), Kate Cook (113 Botanicals) and Dr Evan Lewis (North Toronto Neurology).
Among other things, they discussed new data indicating that cannabis offers a higher success rate for seizure freedom than conventional anti-epileptic drugs, with CBD/THC isolates achieving 4-7% and Full Spectrum reaching 5-11%.
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