In this article, we explore the stigma associated with cannabis, the challenges faced by ethnic communities in the UK, and offer guidance for those seeking medical cannabis treatment.

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Recently, scientists made an exciting discovery that sheds light on the chemistry behind those tantalising tropical aromas: Tropicannasulfur compounds (TCSCs).

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Empowering Patients Worldwide We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for PatientsCann UK – our appointment as the UK representative to the International Alliance for Cannabinoid Medicines (IACM) Patients Council. This prestigious position marks a new chapter in our commitment to advocating for patient rights and fostering collaboration on a global scale. About IACM Patients Council The IACM Patients Council is a dynamic coalition of patient organisations from around the world. Its primary objective is to provide a unified voice for patients in the rapidly evolving landscape of medicinal cannabis. By working collectively, these organisations aim to safeguard the rights and interests of patients and ensure their perspectives are integral to the ongoing developments in medicinal cannabis. Our Role as the UK Representative As the UK representative to the IACM Patients Council, PatientsCann is honoured to take on the responsibility of championing the concerns, aspirations, and needs of patients in the United Kingdom. This role aligns seamlessly with our core mission of promoting a patient-centric approach to medical cannabis advocacy. Key Focus Areas Global Collaboration: We look forward to actively engaging with patient organisations worldwide. By fostering international collaboration, we can share insights, best practices, and advocate for the common goal of improving patient access and rights. Information Exchange: Our role involves facilitating the exchange of information between patients, organisations, and key stakeholders. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the creation of a well-informed and empowered patient community. Advocacy and Education: Through our representation, we will advocate for policies that prioritise patient well-being. Education will be a focal point, ensuring that patients are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their healthcare. PatientsCann’s Commitment Our journey with the IACM Patients Council is not just about representation; it’s about effecting positive change. PatientsCann is committed to leveraging this opportunity to enhance the dialogue surrounding medicinal cannabis, challenge stigmas, and drive initiatives that benefit patients globally. We express our gratitude to our supporters, volunteers, and the entire medical cannabis community. Your encouragement has been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Together, let’s continue advancing patient-centric approaches to medical cannabis and shaping a more compassionate and informed world. Empowering Patients, Transforming Lives.

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We are thrilled to share some exciting news! PatientsCann UK is a proud member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). This is a significant step forward in our journey of advocating for patient rights and fostering positive change in the medical cannabis landscape. Understanding the NCVO: The NCVO is a leading voice for the voluntary sector in the UK. Established in 1919, NCVO champions the work of charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations, providing them with a platform to collectively address challenges and amplify their impact. This membership places PatientsCann in a vibrant network of over 15,000 member organisations, ranging from small community groups to well-established charities. The Value of NCVO Membership for PatientsCann: Networking and Collaboration: Joining NCVO opens doors to a diverse community of organisations working towards social change. This network provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and building alliances within and beyond the medical cannabis sector. Advocacy Amplification: NCVO is a powerful advocate for the voluntary sector, influencing policies and decisions at the national level. By aligning with NCVO, PatientsCann gains a stronger voice in shaping policies that directly impact medical cannabis patients and the industry. Capacity Building: NCVO offers a wealth of resources, training, and support to enhance the effectiveness and impact of voluntary organisations. This invaluable support will empower PatientsCann to further its mission of educating, advocating, and supporting the medical cannabis community. Policy Engagement: As an NCVO member, PatientsCann gains access to valuable insights on policy developments and changes affecting the voluntary sector. This knowledge is crucial for steering our advocacy efforts in a rapidly evolving medical cannabis landscape. Implications for the Medical Cannabis Community: Our membership with NCVO is not just a milestone for PatientsCann; it’s a win for the entire medical cannabis community. It elevates the visibility of medical cannabis advocacy within broader discussions on healthcare, patient rights, and social well-being. Looking Ahead: As we embark on this exciting journey with the NCVO, we are filled with gratitude for the continued support of our community. Together, we will continue to strive for a future where medical cannabis patients are informed, empowered, and treated with the dignity they deserve. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being an essential part of the PatientsCann community.

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The Sanskara Platform (now PatientsCann UK) and Seed Our Future Co-Author Report with Cannabis Industry Council Urging Employers to Support Prescription Cannabis Patients 07/11/2023 – The Sanskara Platform, in collaboration with Seed Our Future, is pleased to announce the release of an important report addressing the rights of prescription cannabis patients in the workplace. This ground-breaking report, titled ‘The Use of Prescription Cannabis at Work,’ has been authored by Mohammad I Wasway, Founder of The Sanskara Platform, and Guy Coxall, Founder of Seed Our Future. It forms a crucial part of the Standards Working Group within the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC). The report, highlighted by the CIC, reveals a pressing issue affecting prescription cannabis patients and their rights in the workplace. It suggests that current employer practices may put them at risk of breaching the Equality Act. The Act mandates that employers must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate individuals with disabilities, which includes many prescription cannabis patients who often suffer from chronic pain and disabilities. The CIC’s report underscores the necessity for employers to treat prescription cannabis patients just like any other medical patients, aligning with their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Report co-authors, Mohammad Wasway and Guy Coxall, expressed their concerns, stating, “We have heard from many concerned and vulnerable patients who have been harassed and mistreated by their employers simply for taking their prescription medication. We urge businesses to support their employees and implement sensible and proportionate solutions that will improve employee wellbeing and productivity.” Elisabetta Faenza, Chair of the CIC Standards Working Group, emphasised the Council’s commitment to upholding workplace rights for prescription cannabis patients, asserting, “The Cannabis Industry Council will be working with employers and unions to uphold workplace rights for prescription cannabis patients, based on law, medicine, and basic compassion. Many businesses say they are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity, yet often underdeliver. Now is the time for employers to step up and support ill and disabled employees.” The report not only sheds light on the medical context surrounding prescription cannabis but also suggests ways to manage its usage by employees. It includes user-friendly flowcharts and illustrative case studies to help employers navigate this complex issue. Since 2018, specialist doctors have had the authority to prescribe cannabis medicines to their patients, who are then legally permitted to possess and consume this medication. Employers who fail to uphold the workplace rights of patients, including both employees and job applicants, face the risk of being taken to an employment tribunal. This report is a significant step towards ensuring that prescription cannabis patients receive fair treatment and protection under the law. It calls upon employers to support their employees’ medical needs and uphold the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace. Read the report here

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https://www.protectourpatients.co.uk/ In the realm of medical cannabis, a significant disparity exists between patients’ needs and their access to appropriate treatments. While progress has been made, with the UK government allowing specialists to prescribe cannabis medicines in 2018, a critical challenge remains: general practitioners (GPs) are still unable to prescribe this potentially life-changing therapy. As a consequence, a staggering 1.8 million individuals in the UK are compelled to turn to the illicit cannabis market for medical reasons. This is further exacerbated by the financial strain faced by those on low incomes, who struggle to afford private prescriptions. It’s high time we address these issues and embark on a transformative journey to protect our patients and enhance healthcare outcomes. The ‘Protect our Patients’ campaign is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at rectifying the inequity surrounding medical cannabis prescriptions. Its core mission is to advocate for GPs to be granted the same prescribing rights as consultants, thus empowering them to effectively support their patients in need. By removing the existing barriers, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has access to safe and effective cannabis-based treatments. In 2018, the UK government acknowledged the therapeutic potential of cannabis medicines and legalised their prescription. However, this progressive step fell short in one crucial aspect: GPs were excluded from the regulatory framework, limiting their ability to provide comprehensive care to their patients. This oversight has resulted in a significant gap in access to medical cannabis, forcing patients to navigate the illicit market or face financial hardship to obtain private prescriptions. GPs serve as the first point of contact for patients, entrusted with their comprehensive healthcare. By granting them the authority to prescribe cannabis medicines, we open doors to a range of benefits: The time has come to bridge the gap in patient care and advocate for the empowerment of GPs to prescribe medical cannabis. Together, let’s protect our patients and ensure equitable access to life-changing treatments. Visit ProtectOurPatients.co.uk to learn more about the campaign, get involved, and be part

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Are you planning to travel abroad with medical cannabis from the UK? It can be a daunting task to navigate the various regulations and import laws of each destination country. Fortunately, PatientsCann has compiled a comprehensive guide to help you with the process. PatientsCann is an online resource that provides guidance on medical cannabis for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. They have recently released a new table of information that outlines the regulations for importing medical cannabis into several popular British holiday destinations. The table provides a detailed breakdown of the import laws and regulations for each country, along with contact information for the relevant embassy departments. This makes it easier for patients to plan their travel and ensure they have the necessary documentation and permissions to bring their medication with them. It is important to note that each country has its own regulations, and it is essential to consult with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. PatientsCann’s guide can serve as a starting point, but it is not a substitute for professional legal advice. If you are planning to travel abroad from the UK with a medical cannabis prescription, make sure to check out PatientsCann’s table of information. It can be accessed via their website at https://patientscann.org.uk/travel/. Medical cannabis is a rapidly growing industry and has proven to be effective in treating various health conditions. However, different countries have varying regulations regarding the importation of medical cannabis. PatientsCann has created a table of information that outlines the necessary details and contact details/links for the importation of medical cannabis into popular British holiday destinations. Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Jamaica, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turkey are included in the table. Among these countries, Germany, Poland, and Portugal allow for the importation of medical cannabis for personal use with certain conditions, among many others. Germany permits the importation of cannabis for personal use if prescribed by a doctor on the German list of narcotics. The patient is required to complete a form similar to the provided template and obtain confirmation from the supervising health authority of the patient’s county/area of residence. The patient can carry the cannabis for up to 30 days. In Poland, a patient may bring medicines to the country for personal use not exceeding five smallest packages. However, the patient needs to complete a document for import/export of narcotic drugs/psychotropic substances for medical needs and obtain consent from the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate. In Portugal, patients can bring a higher amount of medication than required for the stay to anticipate unforeseen events. For medicines containing controlled substances, including cannabis, patients can bring only the amount required for 30 days of treatment with a medical justification/doctor’s statement. Patients are advised to contact the authority responsible for Customs and/or Civil Aviation in their country to find out the necessary documents required to transport medical cannabis. Greece allows visitors to bring products for personal health use, such as medicines, food supplements, antiseptics, cosmetics, medical devices, etc., for personal use during their stay. However, visitors are required to bring just enough of each product to cover their needs during their stay and hold a letter from their doctor stating the medication(s) they are carrying. Overall, it is essential to research and understand the regulations of the destination country regarding the importation of medical cannabis before travelling. PatientsCann’s table of information provides a valuable resource for individuals travelling to popular British holiday destinations with medical cannabis needs.   TRAVEL ABROAD  

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