The Cannabis Research & Development Group (CRDG) welcomes the latest annual update from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on the safer management of controlled drugs, published on 11 July 2024.
We note the significant increase in the prescription of unlicensed Cannabis-Based Products for Medicinal Use (CBPMs) over the reported period. A rise from 81,476 items dispensed between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 to 177,566 items dispensed between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. Although this increase is substantial, it remains small compared to the overall number of controlled substances prescribed on the NHS, which totaled 73,830,666 items in 2023.
CRDG shares the CQC’s concerns regarding the communication between providers of CBPMs and other healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care. We agree that effective information sharing with a patient’s regular prescribers, typically their GP, is crucial for maintaining patient safety.
We fully support the CQC’s recommendation to review the impact of the 2018 legislative change that permitted the prescribing of cannabis-based products for medicinal use. In particular, CRDG advocates for changes that would prioritise clinical research and development for cannabinoid-based medicines.
We welcome the opportunity to support the CQC in the best capacity the CRDG are able.
Prof Trevor Jones CBE FMed Sci
Co-Chair, Cannabis Regulatory Development Group (CRDG)