Rapid responses are electronic comments to the editor. They enable our users
to debate issues raised in articles published on bmj.com. A rapid response
is first posted online. If you need the URL (web address) of an individual
response, simply click on the response headline and copy the URL from the
browser window. A proportion of responses will, after editing, be published
online and in the print journal as letters, which are indexed in PubMed.
Rapid responses are not indexed in PubMed and they are not journal articles.
The BMJ reserves the right to remove responses which are being
wilfully misrepresented as published articles or when it is brought to our
attention that a response spreads misinformation.
From March 2022, the word limit for rapid responses will be 600 words not
including references and author details. We will no longer post responses
that exceed this limit.
The word limit for letters selected from posted responses remains 300 words.
I agree with Stevens regarding the position that people wanting to use cannabis for their health now find themselves in, essentially forced to break the law as the new access to cannabis products process is overly cautious.
It is difficult to know if restricted access to cannabis products under this new policy is deliberate or accidental. Either way it has given false hope to many people who may well be in need of hope as well as medicine, that seems cruel.
Much of the reluctance by professional bodies and potential prescribers seems to be due to lack of education and training about the evidence in relation to cannabis and health. This is an issue which the British Medical Association should take the lead on and provide training and information to its members. They could use the guide on medicinal cannabis produced this year by the Australian Government (1). This guide would be of benefit to patients who, as Stevens points out, have a right to self-medicate.
Re: Medical cannabis in the UK
I agree with Stevens regarding the position that people wanting to use cannabis for their health now find themselves in, essentially forced to break the law as the new access to cannabis products process is overly cautious.
It is difficult to know if restricted access to cannabis products under this new policy is deliberate or accidental. Either way it has given false hope to many people who may well be in need of hope as well as medicine, that seems cruel.
Much of the reluctance by professional bodies and potential prescribers seems to be due to lack of education and training about the evidence in relation to cannabis and health. This is an issue which the British Medical Association should take the lead on and provide training and information to its members. They could use the guide on medicinal cannabis produced this year by the Australian Government (1). This guide would be of benefit to patients who, as Stevens points out, have a right to self-medicate.
References
1. Australian Government (2018). Medicinal Cannabis - guidance documents. https://www.tga.gov.au/medicinal-cannabis-guidance-documents
Competing interests: No competing interests