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For Vollstad, it has been a difficult decision to stand in this case with the full name and image, as cannabis users are often stigmatized. She still chooses to remain in the hope that the government will begin to see her group of patients.
It is estimated that around 700 Norwegian patients retrieve their medications from the Netherlands, Germany or Denmark.
Requires emergency response
Several organizations working with medicinal cannabis have advocated the need to establish a crisis initiative for cannabis patients in Norway. Among them is the Association of patients for the safe use of cannabis (PASCAN).
– We are deeply concerned about the health of our patients, and we are also concerned about safety. When these people lose access to their medications, they can despair, says Christoffer H. Rørveveit at PASCAN.
He says the consequence is already that several patients feel compelled to defy authorities’ travel advice and take a trip with a high risk of infection abroad. Others must search the criminal market and expose themselves too much
Stronger substances.
– The situation is precarious. The Minister of Health is now forcing this group of patients to violate Norwegian law to safeguard their own health. Now there are several patients who, in desperation and emergency, have started to grow their own medicine at home, says Rørveveit,
who has already been in dialogue with the Attorney General about the situation.
Also remember that this is a group of patients where other medications have not been shown to work.
– Obviously there is danger to life. Many patients are already struggling both physically and mentally. With the added burden of the health minister now imposed on us by Høie, we fear overdoses of other dangerous drugs and suicides among our group of patients, says Rørtveit.
It won’t change the rules
In the recommendation, the Norwegian Medicines Agency and the Health Directorate suggested that a national offer could be established for patients who have been prescribed cannabis abroad at the Pain Clinic in Ullevål. Here patients can receive consultations.
and in the first instance, continued treatment from abroad within Norwegian regulations.
In the note, they recommended that foreign narcotic prescriptions be approved in Norwegian pharmacies to reduce the risk of damage to health during the transition period.
The Ministry of Health and Care Services understands that this is a difficult time for this group of patients, but, nevertheless, it has chosen to reject the recommendation.
– There are several reasons why we do not change the regulations. If we make the proposed changes, it will facilitate the use of products that the government believes the population should not have access to, unless
It is through the specialized health service. Such a temporary arrangement can create the expectation of long-term permanent changes, says Inger Klippen (H), Secretary of State for Bent Høie (H) at the Ministry of Health and Care Services.
The Secretary of State also notes that the amendments proposed by the Swedish Medicines Agency mean that they also deviate from two different sets of rules in EEA law.
Complete response from the Ministry of Health and Care Services
– I understand that patients who regularly visit a doctor abroad and take cannabis products home are experiencing a difficult situation now. But regardless of what medications, patients should establish
Contact the GP to ensure adequate medical care, Secretary of State Inger Klippen at the Ministry of Health and Care Services writes in an email to TV 2.
– There are several reasons why we do not change the regulations. The proposal from the Norwegian Medicines Agency is a temporary measure until April 20 of this year, until the group of patients establishes contact with the GP. But if we do what is suggested
the changes will mean that we facilitate the use of products that the government believes the population should not have access to, unless it is through the specialized health service. Such a temporary arrangement
Klippen writes that it can create the expectation of permanent long-term change.
– The specific amendments proposed by the Norwegian Medicines Agency also mean that there are deviations from two different sets of rules in EEA legislation, both with regard to the validity of EEA prescriptions and the exemption of approval.
– Health on politics
– We were very relieved when the Norwegian Medicines Agency and the Health Directorate were able to quickly come up with a good professional solution where patients could get approval for medicines in Norway during the crisis. This had given patients who help
they need, “says Christoffer H. Rørtveit at PASCAN.
He says that he therefore cannot understand why the Ministry of Health and Care Services will not follow the recommendation.
– The drug is in stock in Norwegian pharmacies, so this is crazy on the system. Health over politics should be normal in this crisis, he believes.
Rørveveit is supported by the Normal Norway organization, which works to promote the rights of Norwegian cannabis users in Norway.
– The crisis we are in now is a huge burden for everyone. The fact that this group of patients has also lost access to their medications makes them very vulnerable, says André Nilsen, president of the organization.
It is especially concerned that many of the approximately 700 patients may relapse to other medications.
– For many, it has been a long and difficult struggle to reduce other harmful alternatives such as opiates, benzodiazepines or alcohol. Now, several people feel compelled to start taking these medications again in the absence of an alternative, says Nilsen.
The recommendation is dated March 18. No further steps have been taken to assist the patient group.
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