# Why does access to prescription medical cannabis require political engagement and parliamentary support?

When patients find relief from symptoms through medical cannabis but face barriers in the healthcare system, the issue isn’t about lack of effectiveness—it’s about a system that wasn’t designed for this kind of medicine. Medical cannabis differs from most pharmaceuticals in key ways, and these differences explain why political action is necessary to ensure patient access.

### Why doesn’t medical cannabis fit the current system?

1. **No patents, no financial incentive.** Most medications are developed by pharmaceutical companies that patent isolated compounds, conduct expensive trials, and recoup costs through exclusive sales rights. Medical cannabis, however, can’t be patented because it involves the whole plant with over 100 active compounds. Without financial incentives, the industry has little motivation to fund research, educate doctors, or pursue approvals. As a result, the medicine remains outside the established system.
2. **Knowledge comes from the ground up.** Unlike traditional drugs, which move from labs to patients, medical cannabis knowledge has grown from patient experiences. Many have turned to it after conventional treatments failed, finding relief and sharing their stories with doctors and fellow patients. This has built a strong foundation of real-world evidence (RWE), demonstrating effectiveness and safety across thousands of cases.
3. **Regulations aren’t adapted for medical cannabis.** Real-world studies and patient experiences are often overlooked because current rules were designed for patented, single-compound drugs. Even when RWE provides valuable insights into practical use, it’s not always accepted as sufficient proof. This leaves patients and doctors without clear guidelines, even when benefits are evident.

### Why must politicians get involved?

This isn’t something medical professionals can fix alone—it requires political will. Lawmakers must step in where the pharmaceutical industry typically would, taking responsibility to:

- Fund and launch studies to identify which patient groups benefit from medical cannabis and how it should be used.
- Establish reimbursement schemes so the medicine is accessible to all who need it, regardless of financial barriers.
- Train doctors to prescribe medical cannabis safely and responsibly.
- Review regulations to ensure RWE and patient experiences are properly considered.

Norway is lagging behind. Across much of Europe, medical cannabis is already part of healthcare, while Norwegian patients still lack access—despite existing evidence and proven benefits. This is about systemic fairness and political action.

Your voice and experience are crucial for driving change. You can help by reaching out to local politicians, health policymakers, or patient organizations to explain why this matters—for you, for others, and for a fairer healthcare system. Sharing your story can raise awareness and build support. You can also back *Stopp lidelsen*, which advocates for better access to medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a political responsibility. Together, we can create the change that’s needed.
