Removing Barriers to Accessing Medical Cannabis for Paediatric Patients

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Barriers faced by caregivers in accessing medical cannabis for children with complex medical needs, along with recommendations to improve the ability of Canadian children with chronic diseases to access medical cannabis with the support of their healthcare providers.

Barriers and Facilitators

Lack of Evidence

Innovative clinical trial design
Clear conflict of interest policies for researchers
Invesment in cannabis research and infrastructure.
Expedite cannabis research licenses.
Permit clinical research on GPP products.
Incentivize cannabis drug development.

Lack of Education

Fund unbiased expert education and mentorship for healthcare providers.
Harmonization in continuing education across provincial Medical Colleges.

Prohibitive Costs

Remove provincial and federal sales tax on medical cannabis.
Compassionate pricing programs that consider medical expenses.
Continued discounts for patients who turn 18 years old.
Health Canada to accept trusted foreign regulatory decisions for purified CBD and encourage firms to apply for a DIN.

Product Shortages

Mandate LPs report expected shortages to patients and healthcare providers.
Mandate public disclosures of Certificate of Analysis to facilitate product switching.

Implementing these changes could benefit families and the healthcare system. Collaboration among industry, government, and funding agencies is encouraged to support research and education for pediatric healthcare providers and families to ensure safe and equitable access to those who might benefit from medical cannabis.

For more information, visit www.medcannkids.ca

Produced by Jessica Steer and Zina Zaslawski in April 2024.

C4T is an academic partnership. Funding details and COI are available on our website.

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