Therapeutic cannabis: experimentation is prolonged

In particular, the use of medicinal products based on this herb shall be authorized in the context of the therapeutic cannabis experiment for patients suffering from:

• neuropathic pain refractory to accessible therapies (drug or non-drug);
• certain forms of drug-resistant epilepsy;
• certain reluctant symptoms in oncology associated with cancer or with an anti-cancer treatment.

On March 26, 2021, a first patient was included in the device; and on March 26, 2024, the experiment was scheduled to end. Finally, it is extended until a cannabis-based drug is authorized by health authorities and then marketed; but in any case, the experiment must be completed by December 31, 2024.

However, no new patients can enter the experiment since March 27, 2024. This extension ensures continuity of treatment for patients already included in the device and is therefore the only one who can benefit from prescriptions and dispensing of cannabis-based medicines. Currently, such treatments are subject to a use authorization, issued by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines, for a temporary period. The purchase of these cannabis-based medicines is reimbursed by the Health Insurance until the end of the experiment, i.e. until 31 December 2024 at the latest.

In particular, patients are informed of:

• special precautions for the use of these medicinal products;
• adverse reactions;
• and contraindications.