UK MS society launches #ApprovedButDenied | cannabis campaign

A report published by the MS Society states that despite research and first-hand reports of its effectiveness as a drug for MS patients, nowhere near enough medical cannabis patients have been able to obtain medical cannabis through the National Health Service (NHS).

The MS Society takes a position on the lack of progress and access to cannabis in the UK, especially since medical cannabis has been legal there for almost three years. The organization launched the #ApprovedButDenied campaign to raise awareness of the lack of proper access, in addition to a 30-page report of data on MS patients in the UK.

“Sativex, a cannabis-based spray, was approved in England in 2019 for use in moderate to severe spasticity when other treatments have not worked,” the organization wrote on its website. “Even so, many people with MS are still denied access to Sativex because their local health authorities called Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) don’t prescribe it. This has resulted in an unacceptable zip code lottery with Sativex funded in only 49 out of 106 CCGs. That has to change – everyone with MS deserves access to effective treatments. ”

The organization’s report states that only 49 out of 106 CCGs support Sativex. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) estimates that 4,800 people are currently eligible for a four-week Sativex study to see if the drug works for them, but as of May 2021, only 630 people had access to Sativex current Data available at the time the report was generated).

Fredi Cavander-Attwood, Policy Manager of the MS Society, expressed disappointment at the lack of progress for MS patients in England. “It is totally unacceptable that Sativex is only available in 49 out of 106 health areas in England two years after receiving NICE approval,” said Cavander-Attwood. “MS can be relentless, painful, and disabling, and the treatment you need shouldn’t be a gamble.”

#ApprovedButDenied

The #ApprovedButDenied campaign also highlights the unfair status of the “zip code lottery,” which determines which MS patients have access to medical cannabis. Some people have to choose between living in pain or paying up to £ 500 a month for a Sativex prescription (it costs £ 300 according to the NHS). Cavander-Attwood says patients often buy drugs on the black market enough.

The MS Society also interviewed some MS patients and published their responses in the report. One patient cited as Neil found relief when he was able to sleep properly with Sativex.

“After starting the Sativex, I had the first good night’s sleep in 10 years. I didn’t suffer from MS fatigue, but I didn’t realize how much I was running on fumes due to lack of sleep until I got some sleep. I didn’t realize how hard it was until it stopped. “

Another patient named Sheila also got better symptoms thanks to medicinal cannabis. “After Sativex, I can train my arms and legs without any problems,” she said. “My MS symptoms haven’t gotten worse. I don’t get cramps anymore. After Sativex, I can move my limbs without fear of causing painful cramps. I can do more as I’m not afraid it will cause convulsions. And I had so much pain with the cramps. “

The MS Society’s report includes a list of actions calling on CCGs / Prescribers, the UK Government, the NHS and the maker of Sativex to take positive steps to support the current situation for MS patients.

“Sativex is not a ‘miracle cure’ – it doesn’t work for everyone with spasticity,” the organization explained. “But if it works, the effects can change your life. People with MS – like Neil and Sheila, who share their stories in this report – tell us that their cramps and associated pain have gone, which means they and their families are able to live their lives and not just to exist. “