GPs in Czechia to prescribe medical cannabis for chronic pain starting April

General practitioners in Czechia will be allowed to prescribe medical cannabis for chronic pain under new regulations effective from April. Patients will also be able to receive a three-month supply on a single prescription. Previously, only specialists could prescribe cannabis, used for conditions like cancer, chemotherapy side effects, AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The Ministry of Health stated that GPs’ involvement is justified for chronic pain, while other uses will remain under specialist care. Cannabis prescriptions for patients under 18 will be allowed in cases of palliative care or severe oncology diagnoses. Medical cannabis has been available in Czechia since 2015, with 318.7 kilograms prescribed in 2023 for around 3,300 patients monthly. Public health insurance covers 90% of the cost for up to 30 grams per month. In 2022, insurance providers paid CZK 17.2 million for cannabis treatments.