- Medical Cannabis
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by cannabisdeals.co.uk
On the 7th November 2019 the largest medical cannabis register in Europe was announced from one of the UK’s leading medical bodies. Project TWENTY21 is led by Drug Science, a committee of scientists founded in 2010 to bring together leading drugs experts from a wide range of specialisms to carry out groundbreaking research into drug harms and effects. The teams vision is:
To see a world where drug control is rational and evidence-based; where drug use is better informed and drug users are understood; where drugs are used to heal not harm.
On that end, the registry will include 20,000 patients in the UK that will be given subsidized medical cannabis over a two-year period to create the largest body of evidence on cannabis in Europe.
Medicinal cannabis was legalised in Britain last November but patients have been struggling to get access to the drug. Many doctors are reluctant to prescribe due to lack of guidance and training. The project will also support prescribers across the country to feel confident in providing medical cannabis to patients.
AnnTWENTY21 is a registry, not a clinical trial.
drugscience.org.uk
The study is backed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists
The registry is also backed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists who have launched also a call for evidence from anyone with expertise and personal experience of medical cannabis and cannabis for recreational use to contribute to a Review by providing relevant evidence.
Conditions treated
In the first scale the project will focus on seven conditions in patients for whom alternative treatment has failed.
- Anxiety disorder
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance use disorder (as a harm reduction strategy)
- Tourette’s syndrome
Furthermore, medical cannabis clinics will only accept patients who have attempted two different licensed medications to treat their condition, both of which must have proven to be ineffective.
Process
During this 5 step process patients will be navigated through the project on a seamless journey:
- Patients register
- Notification
- Referral from self or clinician
- Medical cannabis prescribed
- Drug Science follow-up
Treatment
Treatment will be provided at a network of clinics across the UK and remotely through telemedicine services. Drug Science is an independent charity that was established in 2010. It is dedicated to bringing together experts from different backgrounds for determining the positive and negative aspects of certain drugs.
There are more than eight million people with disabling chronic pain in the UK and medical cannabis is still out of reach for them. Trials like Project Twenty21 could provide evidence for safely and effectively prescribing these medicines that has the potential to provide pain relief and other life-changing benefits for some of these patients.
President of the British Pain Society, Dr Arun Bhaskar
The project is expected to conclude in 2021. The registry data will be available for researchers to access and expand their research into medical cannabis.
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Update July 2024
Understanding T21: A Comprehensive Look at the UK’s New Drug Policy
In recent years, the landscape of drug policy in the UK has undergone significant transformations, particularly with the introduction of T21. This new approach aims to address the complexities of drug use, focusing on harm reduction rather than prohibition. For those unfamiliar with T21, this blog post will delve into what it entails, its implications for society, and its potential to reshape the conversation around drug use in the UK.
What is T21?
Access Medical Cannabis: T21 | Drug Science
T21, or “T21: A New Approach to Drug Policy,” is an initiative by Drug Science, a UK-based organization dedicated to advancing drug policy reform through scientific research and evidence-based strategies. The initiative advocates for a new framework for drug policy that prioritizes public health, safety, and social justice. The term “T21” refers to the idea of treating drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal one.
The framework of T21 seeks to decriminalize drug possession for personal use and provide a regulated market for certain substances. This approach acknowledges that drug use is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental health, socioeconomic status, and social environments. By reframing drug policy, T21 aims to reduce the stigma surrounding drug use, promote safer consumption practices, and ultimately minimize the harms associated with drug use.
The Need for Change
The traditional approach to drug policy has often been punitive, focusing on criminalization rather than rehabilitation. This has led to numerous negative consequences, including overcrowded prisons, increased rates of addiction, and a lack of access to treatment services. T21 addresses these shortcomings by advocating for policies that prioritize health and harm reduction.
One of the key arguments for T21 is the recognition that criminalizing drug users does not deter use; instead, it often exacerbates the issues faced by individuals struggling with addiction. T21 proposes that by treating drug use as a public health concern, society can better support individuals in need of help, reduce overdose deaths, and address the root causes of substance use.
Harm Reduction Strategies
T21 emphasizes the importance of harm reduction strategies, which focus on minimizing the negative consequences associated with drug use. These strategies include:
- Safe Consumption Spaces: Providing designated areas where individuals can use drugs under the supervision of medical professionals to reduce the risk of overdose and infection.
- Needle Exchange Programs: Offering clean needles to reduce the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis among injection drug users.
- Drug Testing Services: Allowing individuals to test their substances for purity and potency, which can prevent dangerous reactions to adulterated drugs.
- Access to Treatment and Support: Ensuring that individuals have access to mental health services, counseling, and rehabilitation programs without the fear of criminal repercussions.
By implementing these harm reduction strategies, T21 aims to create a safer environment for drug users and reduce the overall burden on public health systems.
The Future of Drug Policy in the UK
T21 represents a significant shift in the UK’s approach to drug policy. As the initiative gains traction, it is likely to spark important conversations about the effectiveness of current drug laws and the need for reform. The success of T21 will depend on public support, political will, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including health professionals, law enforcement, and communities affected by drug use.
The T21 initiative currently operates in collaboration with eight clinics across the UK, each playing a pivotal role in implementing harm reduction strategies and providing support for individuals struggling with drug use. These clinics serve as vital community resources, offering services such as supervised consumption spaces, counseling, and access to medical care. By partnering with established healthcare providers, T21 not only enhances the reach of its programs but also ensures that individuals have access to comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. This collaborative approach fosters an environment where users feel safe and supported, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and a reduction in the stigma often associated with drug use.
In addition to their health services, these clinics are instrumental in educating the community about the benefits of harm reduction and the importance of viewing drug use through a public health lens. They work to dispel myths surrounding drug addiction and provide evidence-based information to empower individuals to make informed choices about their health. Furthermore, the clinics actively engage with local organizations, law enforcement, and policymakers to advocate for systemic changes in drug policy, reinforcing the message that effective solutions lie in compassion and support rather than criminalization. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these eight clinics, T21 is making significant strides in redefining the conversation around drug use and creating a more supportive framework for all individuals affected by substance use.
Research
The most recent findings from the study have been published and are now accessible here. This publication provides valuable insights into the research conducted, detailing key results and implications that could significantly influence current understanding in the field. The study explores various aspects of the subject matter, presenting data and analyses that contribute to a deeper comprehension of the underlying issues.
Conclusions: There are important differences between individuals aged 65+ years and younger individuals receiving cannabis-based medicinal products. Older aged individuals experience considerable improvement in health and well-being when prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products.
Prescribed Medical Cannabis Use Among Older Individuals: Patient Characteristics and Improvements in Well‑Being: Findings from T21 (drugscience.org.uk)
Researchers and professionals in the relevant domain are encouraged to review the findings, as they may have practical applications in both clinical and policy settings. The published work not only sheds light on specific findings but also highlights areas for future research, inviting further exploration and discussion among scholars and practitioners alike. By engaging with this latest research, readers can stay informed about advancements in the field and consider how these insights might apply to their own work or studies.
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