In 2021 the French began a trial of medical cannabis, involving more than 3,000 patients. The trial has yielded overwhelmingly positive results, offering hope to thousands of patients suffering from chronic, debilitating pain. The trial, involving over 3,000 participants, has demonstrated that cannabis-based treatments can provide significant relief for conditions like neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and cancer-related symptoms that have resisted traditional therapies.
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Sixty per cent of patients reported experiencing substantial pain reduction, a figure that eclipses the effectiveness of other treatments, including powerful opioids. For many participants of this trial, the relief has been life-changing. For those with neuropathic pain, which is often described as a constant burning sensation, are finding immense relief through cannabis-based medicines.
Initially scheduled to conclude in April, the medical cannabis trial has been extended until the end of the year by government decree. Building on the trial's success, France's National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) has announced that medical cannabis treatments will be widely available for prescription in 2025. This decision signifies a significant step forward in acknowledging the therapeutic potential of cannabis and addressing the unmet needs of patients with chronic pain. The scope of medical cannabis that will be made available to patients is yet unclear, this will largely depend on offers made from pharmaceutical companies.
The journey towards access to medical cannabis in France has been fraught with obstacles, including political opposition and misconceptions. Yet, the compelling evidence from the French trial and growing patient support signals a shift in public perception
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