Scotland makes cannabis-based epilepsy medicine Epidyolex available on the NHS
Scotland officials have decided to approve the cannabis-based epilepsy medicine Epidyolex for use on the NHS. The Scottish Medical Consortium has cleared Epidyolex as a treatment for patients aged two years and over with seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare genetic condition. It is hoped that the medicine – combined with the patients’ […]
Scotland opens Europe’s first hotline to keep drug users safe
In a historic move, Scotland will open a hotline to provide professional help and comfort while people are using drugs. According to Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, a free telephone line called “Never Use Alone” will be made available for those who are in the process of using illegal drugs. The aim is to cut the […]
Sir Keir Starmer backs Scotland over effectively decriminalising drug possession
While Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is not in favour of a thorough drug policy reform, he expressed his support for a decision to effectively decriminalising drug possession in Scotland. According to The Scotsman, Sir Keir has said Scotland’s most senior law officer, Dorothy Bain QC, was “probably right” when she announced that those caught with […]
Scotland decriminalised drug possession
People caught with drugs won’t have to face charges after Scotland’s lord advocate has announced a new policy to Holyrood. According to The Times, Dorothy Bain QC’s announcement – “a diversion from prosecution” – was a surprise. Scotland’s most senior law officer told the MSPs: “Police officers may therefore choose to issue a recorded police […]
MPs set up medical cannabis cross-party group in Scotland
The first cross-party group, set up by members of the Scottish parliament (MSPs), have had their first meeting to discuss the possible benefits of medical cannabis. According to STV, the group was created by Labour’s Pauline McNeill and the SNP’s Rona Mackay. The aim is to understand more about the potential of the plant and […]
Multiple Sclerosis patients in Scotland are calling for improved access to cannabis
Scottish patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are launching a campaign calling for improved access to medical cannabis products that have been approved as a treatment for their condition. In the UK, Sativex – an oral cannabis spray containing CBD and THC – has been approved for the treatment of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. Spasticity […]
Scottish MP wants “urgent action” on medical cannabis as red tape hits kids with epilepsy
A Scottish MP has called for urgent action as it is revealed that only a very few patients have been able to get access to life-saving medical cannabis medicines, such as Bedrocan, on prescription. Greenock MP Ronnie Cowan claims that, while the moral case for drugs like Bedrocan being made available in the UK on […]
Scotland’s first patients receive medical cannabis prescriptions
Following the opening of Scotland’s first legal medical cannabis clinic, patients in Scotland are finally receiving their first prescriptions for medical cannabis products. Sapphire Medical Clinics opened their first Scotland clinic in the central city of Stirling back in March this year after receiving approval from regulators. In their opening days, the clinic received hundreds […]
Scotland Could Decriminalise All Drugs If It Became Independent
The Scottish National Party (SNP) would decriminalise drugs for personal use in an independent Scotland. According to the Daily Record, a report called for a thorough drugs policy reform as Scotland’s drug death figures are constantly growing and the country – independent or not – should take a “bold approach based on harm reduction and […]
Hundreds of Patients Seek Help from Medical Cannabis Clinic in Scotland
Over 500 patients in Scotland are seeking medical cannabis prescriptions as the first legal clinic opens in the country. In March 2021, Sapphire Medical Clinics became the first medical cannabis clinic to receive Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) registration to safely prescribe medical cannabis products across the country. Despite medical cannabis being legalised in Scotland at […]