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NIHR launches call for research on the effectiveness of cannabis-based products for medicinal use

Published: 12 October 2018

Researchers are being asked to investigate the effectiveness of cannabis-based products for medicinal use under a new NIHR themed research call.

Investigators can submit their research proposals to look at the use of products for difficult-to-treat epilepsy or other disorders unresponsive to existing treatments.

Applications should meet all the professional and legal requirements within which cannabis-based products for medicinal use may be prescribed and lead to robust clinical evidence that will inform practice.

The invitation for applications comes following a review of the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, to the UK Government. The review considered a range of evidence from a number of international sources and recommended that the whole class of cannabis based medicinal products be moved out of Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.

Following the review, the Home Office announced that specialist clinicians would be able to legally prescribe cannabis-derived medicinal products by autumn.

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