Denmark proposes to make its medical cannabis program permanent

The Danish government has announced its intention to make permanent its medical cannabis pilot program. The decision, taken by Minister of the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde, reflects the growing acceptance and demand for cannabis-based treatments among patients suffering from serious illnesses.

A pilot program with promising results

Introduced in 2018, the pilot program Danish of medicinal cannabis was designed to provide a legal route for specific patient groups - such as those with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, chronic pain or those undergoing chemotherapy - to access cannabis as part of their treatment plans.

Over the past three years, the program has seen a significant increase in participation, with more than 20,000 prescriptions issued, according to a recent evaluation, and a broad public support.

The assessment highlights that around 1,800 patients are currently benefiting from cannabis-based medicines. These treatments often target severe symptoms, including chronic pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea, for which traditional medicines have not provided sufficient relief.

Minister Løhde noted tangible benefits reported by patients:

«We can see that many patients who have been prescribed medical cannabis by their doctors seem to benefit from the treatment. These include cancer patients who may suffer from severe nausea after chemotherapy treatment, or multiple sclerosis sufferers who may experience severe pain.».

L’Danish Medicines Agency closely monitored the program, ensuring that no significant safety issues arose during its implementation. The results reinforce the idea that medical cannabis can be a safe therapeutic option for many patients when properly prescribed and monitored.

In 2021, the pilot program has been extended for a further four years, with an important milestone: the permanent legalization of cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes in Denmark. This measure not only supports local production, but also guarantees a stable supply of high-quality cannabis for medical purposes. Denmark has also become a home to a number of companies European cannabis market, including Bedrocan or Canopy Growth from 2017.

The government's proposal to make the program permanent will now be discussed with the political parties, including SF, the Liberal Alliance, Enhedslisten, Dansk Folkeparti and Alternativet. These discussions will determine whether the program moves from its pilot phase to a long-term healthcare policy.

If adopted, this decision will guarantee patients legal access to medical marijuana beyond the scheduled end of the program in 2025.