Private Clinics Address NHS Shortfall in Medical Cannabis Prescriptions; One Clinic Offers Three Months 'Free' Medication to Eligible Londoners

 Despite NHS and Private Clinic Access, Study Uncovers Prevalent Self-Medication Among Those Battling Debilitating Conditions..

As the National Health Service (NHS) issues only a limited number of medical cannabis prescriptions in recent years, private clinics are stepping in to meet the demand. One particular clinic even provides London residents with three months of 'free' cannabis if they obtain a prescription for a qualifying health condition. This offer extends to those dealing with chronic pain, a condition affecting a significant portion of the city's population.

In stark contrast to the NHS, which initially announced the availability of cannabis prescriptions for certain conditions in 2018, only a handful of such prescriptions have been granted in four years. Meanwhile, an estimated 20,000 patients are privately obtaining cannabis, often at a cost of hundreds of pounds monthly.

LVL Health, based on Harley Street, has introduced a unique deal offering three months' worth of medical cannabis medication at no charge, valued at £897. Following this period, patients have the option to continue the treatment, with a monthly cost of £299 and an initial fee of £99 for a vape pen.

While some individuals resort to the illegal market to address issues ranging from anxiety to chronic pain, LVL Health requires patients to provide photo identification, a doctor's letter confirming their chronic pain condition, and a clinician's letter detailing their current medications, if any. This process can be completed online or with an in-person consultation at the Harley Street location.

Tony Samios, managing director of LVL Health, emphasized the importance of accessible pain relief and stated that medical cannabis can complement other treatments for chronic pain, enabling individuals to return to work and lead normal lives. He described the offer of three months of free cannabis prescriptions as a response to the ongoing cost of living crisis and the deteriorating health of the nation, acknowledging that many people may not be able to afford medical cannabis.

Patients must meet specific criteria and be prescribed by specialist doctors. Regulatory bodies such as the National Institute for Care & Excellence (NICE) have requested more scientific evidence to support the benefits of medical cannabis.

LVL Health is conducting a 'regulator-approved' trial, which could provide data and evidence to the NHS, potentially expanding access to medical cannabis on the health service.

The study is a collaborative effort by a team of executives and scientists with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, encompassing research, discovery, development, and trial management.

Participants in the private study will receive daily doses of a cannabis-based medicinal product from Aurora Cannabis Inc., manufactured to Good Manufacturing Practice standards. The tailored formula will be administered through an inhalation device, specifically a vape pen capable of delivering a precise cannabis volume.

England recently marked the fourth anniversary of medical cannabis legalization, but some legal cannabis clinics argue they are filling a void left by the NHS. Research suggests that up to nine million people in the UK use cannabis from the illegal market, with two to three million seeking relief from pain and other conditions. Mamedica clinic's Managing Director, Jon Robson, emphasizes the authenticity of these medical needs and the potential protection provided by prescriptions.

Notably, the UK has the highest per capita opioid prescriptions globally, surpassing even the opioid-plagued US, albeit at lower doses. Nevertheless, opioid-related deaths remain a concern in the UK.

Projections indicate that by 2026, the UK may see as many as 350,000 private cannabis prescriptions, a substantial increase from just 250 in 2019. This reflects a notable monthly growth rate of ten percent in patients.

Mayor Sadiq Khan's plan to establish a cannabis commission to evaluate the potential legalization of the drug for personal use has faced delays amid a right-wing backlash.

The question of full cannabis legalization is gaining traction. Share your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below...