Isle of Man Medicinal Cannabis Dispensing Trial About To Begin

The Isle of Man has recently made it possible for those in need to access medicinal cannabis products. As part of a one-year trial, the Department of Health and Social Care has authorised Karson Pharmacy to be the sole dispensary of medicinal cannabis products on the island. The Onchan-based outlet is the only pharmacy on the Isle of Man able to fill private prescriptions for medicinal cannabis products. This is welcome news for patients who have previously had to order their medication from the UK.

How long is the trial set to last?

This is part of a one-year trial that aims to assess residents’ needs and demand for these products on the island. Medicinal cannabis can be prescribed for various medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

This is the first time that a medicinal cannabis dispensing service has been available on the Isle of Man, and it is hoped that it will help to improve the quality of life for patients.

Data will be collected to inform policy decisions regarding future access and provision of these services on the island. The government is closely monitoring the trial, and it will be reviewed at the end of the year to determine whether it should be extended.

Accessing medicinal cannabis on the Isle of Man

Legislation passed in 2021 by the Isle of Man Government has opened up the production, supply, possession and exportation of certain medicinal cannabis products. This law provides individuals with licences to cultivate and manufacture such products and import and export them.

Isle of Man residents will need a medicinal cannabis prescription from a private clinic in the UK or Crown Dependencies issued by clinicians on the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council (GMC). These private prescriptions must be filled at Karson Pharmacy during the trial period.

There are still severe penalties for those who are found possessing cannabis without a licence or valid medical prescription.

The move has been welcomed by patient groups and campaigners, who hope that it will allow for easier future access to medicinal cannabis in the Isle of Man. While the trial is only scheduled to run for one year, it has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who suffer from chronic pain and other conditions that can be treated with medicinal cannabis. This is a historic decision that could pave the way for wider acceptance of this potentially life-changing medicine.