Political

Political

Explore the politics of medical cannabis in the UK and worldwide, including policy changes, legal developments, and debates shaping the industry.

How Labour’s election win could impact medical cannabis patients

As Keir Starmer becomes the new UK Prime Minister, what impact—if any—will a Labour government have on medical cannabis policy? On Friday, 5 July, the UK woke up to a new era as Keir Starmer was elected as the first Labour Prime Minister in 14 years.

6 min read
15.07.2024
Sarah Sinclair

How the law changed: UK legalisation of medical cannabis

On the 1st of November 2018, legislation was introduced that was celebrated by patients, families, and advocates all over the UK. The rescheduling of cannabis meant that cannabis-based medicines could be legally prescribed for a range of conditions, marking a historic moment. But how did the law change come about? And has it lived up to the expectations of those who continue to fight for fair access to medical cannabis?

9 min read
05.06.2024
Emily Ledger

Update on Ukraine: legalising medical cannabis, one by law at a time

Ukraine’s President signed off on Law 3528-IX, also known as The Medical Cannabis Law, back in February. This kickstarted the legalisation of medical cannabis, designed to offer relief to those suffering from conditions like chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the continued war with Russia. Here we take a look at some of the updates and amendments that have been made to accommodate for the legalisation of medical cannabis in Ukraine.

7 min read
16.05.2024
Lucy MacKinnon

MPs' reflect on 5 years of medical cannabis prescriptions

Medical cannabis was a highly politicised topic between 2015 and 2018 when the UK Home Office finally conceded that cannabis does have medicinal properties and could no longer maintain its prohibition. The evidence was undeniable, and the science was too clear to hide any longer.

12 min read
12.01.2024
Editorial Team

Blunt's EDM urges government to grant GPs cannabis prescription rights

On Monday the 3rd of July an Early Day Motion was submitted by MP Crispin Blunt, calling on the government to allow general practitioners the right to prescribe cannabis-based medications. This motion aims to open up prescription rights to the 36,000 General Practitioners that are currently practising in the UK in the hope of making medical cannabis more accessible. 

10 min read
09.07.2023
Lucy MacKinnon