Denmark Launches Four-Year Medical Cannabis Pilot Program in 2018
Denmark will begin a four-year medical cannabis pilot program in 2018, allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis for certain medical conditions
Key Points
- 1Denmark to start a medical cannabis pilot program in 2018
- 2Doctors can prescribe cannabis for specific conditions like multiple sclerosis and chronic pain
- 388% of Danes support therapeutic cannabis legalization
- 4The pilot program will last four years and be evaluated for permanence
- 5Recreational cannabis legalization remains a contentious issue in Denmark
The Danish government has announced the launch of a medical cannabis pilot program starting January 1, 2018, allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis to certain patients. This initiative marks a significant shift in Denmark's approach to cannabis, enabling legal treatment options for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, spinal cord injuries, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
The four-year program, as detailed by the Danish Medicines Agency (Lægemiddelstyrelsen), aims to provide a legal avenue for patients who currently self-medicate with cannabis. The initiative reflects growing public support, with recent surveys indicating that 88% of Danes favor the legalization of cannabis for therapeutic use. However, the program will initially focus on a defined group of patients with specific medical conditions
In a press release, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the pilot will offer a legal framework for medical cannabis use, which has been a contentious issue in Denmark. The ministry stated, "The pilot project will enable some patients, who today treat themselves, to be legally treated with medicinal cannabis within the healthcare system." This reflects the government's cautious yet progressive step towards integrating cannabis into mainstream medical treatments
The pilot program comes amid broader discussions on cannabis legalization in Denmark, where public opinion is shifting. While there is substantial support for medical cannabis, the legalization of recreational use remains a divisive topic. The three largest political parties—Venstre, the Social Democrats, and the Danish People's Party—continue to oppose recreational cannabis legalization, despite some political factions advocating for broader reforms
Looking ahead, the success of this pilot program could influence future legislative decisions. The Health Minister noted that the program's outcomes would be evaluated to determine whether medical cannabis should become a permanent part of Denmark's healthcare offerings. This evaluation will help the Parliament decide on the long-term status of medical cannabis, potentially paving the way for further reforms