Two cannabis clinical trials for epilepsy to begin in the UK

Large-scale clinical trials of medical cannabis in the UK will begin «as soon as possible», the Department of Health and Social Care has said. Visit National Institute for Health Research from the British government will oversee studies into the effects of cannabis on epilepsy sufferers.

The British NHS currently only prescribes cannabis-based medicines only as a last resort, and claims that «very few people in England are likely to get a prescription» for the substance.

But some people suffering from epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or undergoing chemotherapy would like to be prescribed cannabis to help relieve pain and nausea.

Cannabis is not prescribed for epilepsy as the NHS commissioning body, the NICE, The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has ruled that there is «insufficient evidence» to recommend the full use of cannabis, but that the drug can still be considered by doctors if it is «clinically appropriate in an individual case».

The UK government has therefore supported the creation of two large-scale randomized controlled trials to provide evidence to NICE. Details of these trials are still being finalized.

«Families across the UK are desperately waiting for these medical cannabis trials begin. We've seen the huge impact these treatments can have and how they can give people their lives back,» said Christine Jardine, a British MP who has already tabled a private member's bill to legalize medical cannabis.

«The government has dragged its feet for too long on this subject. It's welcome that trials are planned, but they need to start immediately - so we can start rolling out these treatments as soon as possible.»

Health Minister Maria Caulfield said, «The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has considered the best available evidence when developing its guidance on the prescribing of medicinal cannabis products.».

«However, NICE has found that current research is limited and of low quality. Observational studies involving small numbers of patients do not produce sufficiently robust results to inform routine or commissioning clinical decisions.»

«To develop proof of medical marijuana, the Department, through the National Institute for Health Research, will support two randomized controlled trials on epilepsy in adults and children.»

«Trials will begin as soon as possible and results will be published once they have been completed and the findings peer-reviewed.»