WHA: World Health Assembly
The World Health Assembly (WHA) is a roundtable forum that is held by the World Health Organisation to decide on international policies relating to health. While the WHA does not usually make direct decisions on the global regulation of medical cannabis, the recommendations of this decision-making body can and do influence international policies, including medical cannabis.
When does the World Health Assembly (WHA) meet?
There is no specific date on which the World Health Assembly (WHA) meets each year.
The meeting usually happens each May/June at the World Health Organisation's (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, but the exact date can vary.
Has the WHA ever addressed medical cannabis?
Yes, in 2018, the WHA discussed and passed a resolution on strengthening palliative care as a component of comprehensive care throughout the life course. This included mentioning the potential use of medical cannabis for medical treatment.
That said, the main responsibility for regulating the medical use of cannabis falls on individual member states rather than the WHO or WHA.
Does the WHA influence UK cannabis laws?
Indirectly, yes.
Your prescribing specialist follows UK-specific guidelines, which international organisations like the WHA may shape.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.