# What are we aiming to achieve?

Our goal is to address the challenging situation facing Norwegian patients, doctors, and researchers regarding the use of medical cannabis (MC) in treatment. We aim to do this by establishing a registry study and trial program in Norway, along with several implementation criteria that must be met for the study to be realized:

## 1. Registry study in collaboration with international partners

We are working to ensure Norway implements Europe's largest medical cannabis registry study, developed at Imperial College London. The study tracks all medical cannabis users—regardless of their condition or the type of cannabis they use. This will help us determine which variants of the medication work best for different conditions, along with any side effects that arise. We are already in discussions with several Norwegian researchers who want to contribute to this effort.

## 2. Broad indication for evaluation

For the study to expand our knowledge, we need to change the current situation where it is nearly impossible for patients to obtain a prescription for medical cannabis in Norway. This is despite the medication already being considered low-risk in medical terms. We want it recognized that cannabis affects the body's endocannabinoid system, meaning it can help with many different conditions. Therefore, we believe doctors should be able to prescribe medical cannabis for any condition where the patient hasn't received adequate help from other medications—as long as there are no medical reasons to avoid it.

## 3. General prescribing rights for all doctors

We want doctors who can already prescribe strong medications (A- and B-class drugs) to also be able to prescribe medical cannabis to their patients. We advocate for the doctor who knows the patient best—and who follows up with them regularly—to be the one making the decision about medical cannabis. We believe this will lead to better follow-up and more holistic treatment for patients. It will also relieve pressure on a specialist healthcare system that is already overworked and has long waiting lists.

## 4. Coverage of medication costs

A medication isn't truly accessible if patients can't afford it. Everyone who receives a prescription for medical cannabis should have their costs covered by the public system, just like other medications. Currently, patients mostly have to pay for it themselves, creating a two-tier system where only those with financial means can access treatment. This leads to many patients buying cannabis illegally, where it's cheaper but lacks quality control and safety.

## 5. Continuing education for doctors and healthcare professionals

It's crucial that the prescription of medical cannabis is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This means doctors need access to courses and training on how medical cannabis is used to treat various conditions. Doctors themselves admit they lack knowledge in this area, which is also confirmed by studies. Without sufficient expertise, doctors can't provide the best treatment or feel confident prescribing medical cannabis.

## 6. Review of driver's license health requirements

For patients to participate in the study, we need a thorough review of the regulations surrounding driver's licenses and medical cannabis. As the only country in Europe, Norway has rules that result in most patients losing their driver's license when they receive a prescription for medical cannabis. This happens even when they use variants and doses that don't impair driving ability. For other medications that may temporarily affect driving, Norway operates on a trust system. The current regulations therefore discriminate against patients using medical cannabis.
