Published 28 November 2024 at 16.54
Foreign. A broad political majority in Denmark has decided to make the experimental regime with legal medical cannabis permanent, reports Danish TV2.
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Minister of the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde (Venstre) states that the decision is based on increased demand and positive experiences from patients with serious diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer and chronic pain.
– Medical cannabis has shown to be a sought-after alternative to approved medications for patients with serious illnesses. Many experience a relief of pain or nausea that can significantly improve their quality of life, says Sophie Løhde.
Since the trial scheme was introduced in 2018, over 20,000 prescriptions have been written, and the number of patients has steadily increased. According to an evaluation from the Danish Ministry of Health, approximately 1,800 patients per year have received medical cannabis in recent years.
Despite the successes, the trial scheme has met with criticism from the medical community. Lægeforeningen and Dansk Selskab for Almen Medicin have expressed concern about the lack of knowledge about the long-term effects and side effects of cannabis, as well as inadequate treatment guidelines.
To address criticism, the new agreement includes improved guidance for both doctors and patients.
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The permanent order comes into force in 2026 when the current trial order expires.
The decision has the support of the government and parties such as Socialist Folkeparti, Liberal Alliance, Dansk Folkeparti and Enhedslisten.