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Written question asked by Tonia Antoniazzi (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 December 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 January 2021 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Monday, 11 January 2021. A substantive answer was provided by Jo Churchill (Conservative) on Friday, 12 February 2021 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Cannabis: Medical Treatments

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of children who currently have their UK prescriptions for medical cannabis dispensed in the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

From 1 January, United Kingdom prescriptions, including those in Northern Ireland, will no longer be valid in the Netherlands. There are a small number of patients who rely on certain unlicensed cannabis-based medicines that are supplied in the Netherlands against UK prescriptions, almost all of which are private prescriptions.

The Department, supported by the British Embassy to The Hague, has reached an agreement with the Dutch Government to allow the continued supply of Bedrocan oils, a form of unlicensed medicinal cannabis, against United Kingdom prescriptions for existing patients until 1 July 2021. The medicines supply chain has ensured that there continues to be good supply of licensed and unlicensed cannabis-based medicines after the transition period.

The Written Ministerial Statement of 26 January (HCWS734) provided an update on action taken by the Government on supply from the Netherlands and next steps to establish a more permanent solution.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
130805
Session
2019-21
Related items
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Children Cannabis Medical treatments Prescriptions Netherlands
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk