NHS Approves Two Medicines Derived from Cannabis in England

In recent years, the United States and Canada have become the leaders of the cannabis legalization movement. While these countries have taken charge, England and the rest of the United Kingdom have lagged far behind. This week, the National Health Service (NHS) approved two cannabis-derived medicines for the first time. The news comes as a welcome surprise to some in the English legalization movement.

Cannabis Policy Overseas

There are a number of factors that contribute to the excruciatingly slow pace at which legalization efforts have moved in England. One key reason for this stand still is the division of public opinion. While 66% of Americans support cannabis legalization, only 48% of English citizens favor making the growth, sale, and use of cannabis legal. The U.K. government will be far less likely to push forward any legalization movement that less than a majority of its population supports. Until public opinion shifts, NHS policy will not budge.

While legislative policy in England remains stagnant, the NHS continues to research potential cannabis based medicines. Medical cannabis is not legal in the U.K., but the NHS has the ability to approve medicines derived from the plant if it believes they can improve the lives of people suffering from illnesses.

Though cannabis legalization may seem far away in England, the NHS recently approved two cannabis based medications for use. The two medications, Epidiolex and Sativex, are used to treat epilepsy and multiple sclerosis respectively.

Approving Medicines That Can Change Lives

Epidiolex may be familiar to Americans and Canadians as it was the first cannabis based medication to be approved by the FDA in both countries. Now, the NHS has approved it for use in the UK. This medication is CBD based and treats a specific form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome.

Despite the fact that Epidiolex features no THC and causes no high, some regulators and medical practitioners have felt uneasy about its approval simply because it is cannabis-derived. Despite its detractors, the safety and efficacy of Epidiolex is something that families of loved ones with Dravet epilepsy appreciate.

Sativex, the second medication that is now NHS-approved for UK patients, has not received prescription approval in the US, but is approved for patients in Canada. This treatment comes in an oral spray form and consists of delta-9 THC and CBD. Practitioners use Sativex to treat spasticity associated with MS. One of the more devastating conditions associated with MS, symptoms include muscle stiffness and severe spasticity. Sativex treats this by alleviating inflammation and aiding in neurotransmission to the affected muscles.

The British public clearly lacks the same enthusiasm about cannabis legalization as the United States and Canada. However, the NHS approval of two cannabis based medicines has a chance to become a tipping point that convinces people that cannabis is a viable medication.