Cannabis-based medicinal products: clarification of guidance - March 2021

NICE has produced a statement clarifying its recommendations on unlicensed cannabis-based medicinal products for severe treatment-resistant epilepsy, which should be read alongside the recommendations in guidance.

SPS commentary:

It has been clarified that the fact NICE did not make a population-wide recommendation should not be interpreted by healthcare professionals as meaning they are prevented from considering the use of unlicensed cannabis-based medicinal products where that is clinically appropriate in an individual case. Patients in this population can be prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products if the healthcare professional considers that that would be appropriate on a balance of benefit and risk, and in consultation with the patient, and their families and carers or guardian. There was no recommendation against the use of cannabis-based medicinal products.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence