Access to cannabis based medicines
A great deal of accumulated anecdotal evidence over many years shows that some people with MS find cannabis useful in managing some symptoms. There is also a growing evidence base of effectiveness from research trials. However, the research evidence is still not conclusive.
As yet, no cannabis-based medicine has been granted a licence by the regulatory authorities in the UK. Without a licence, a medicine cannot be freely prescribed and need not be available on the NHS.
Sativex
In 2005, Sativex, a cannabis-based mouth spray, was turned down for a licence as a treatment for spasticity by the regulatory authority, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The initial judgement decided Sativex was safe and of good quality, but did not have any significant effect on spasticity. The manufacturers then launched an appeal. At that Appeal, the MS Trust and other parties made a case that people with MS should be able to make up their own minds about whether Sativex is effective in treating spasticity, a symptom which is often poorly controlled by conventional medications. The Appeal was unsuccessful.
Since November 2005, doctors have been able to prescribe Sativex on a 'named patient' basis, if they feel that it is the appropriate treatment for an individual with MS. Drugs prescribed on a 'named patient' basis are on the direct responsibility of the doctor.
This situation has inevitably led to inequalities. Some people are able to get Sativex on the NHS. In other areas, people may have to pay for Sativex privately, while some people are unable to get a prescription at all. The manufacturer is conducting further research trials.
MS Trust campaign
Results from research trials into cannabis-based medicines have tended to be mixed. However, some problems are the result of how changes in symptoms are measured. In some cases, a healthcare professional's judgement of a change in symptoms (known as 'outcome measure') may not tally with the person with MS's view.
The MS Trust campaigns actively for bodies such as the MHRA to recognise that outcome measures based on the view of people participating in research trials are as valuable as a health professional's assessment.
For an overview of cannabis policy and research, read the MS Trust's cannabis factsheet.
For more about Sativex, read the MS Trust's Sativex factsheet.