Wales online article, by Mark Smith, 23 August 2016: People with depression, anxiety and arthritis could use a cannabis spray being tested in Cardiff
The testing is happening at an NHS facility in Cardiff
A cannabis-based vapouriser is being tested in Wales.
We’ve learned that an NHS facility in Cardiff is testing the vapouriser to determine the cannabinoid concentration of the formula.
Two years ago, Wales became the first UK nation to legalise a cannabis based drug for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers.
The new vapouriser is a MediPen, which is inhaled like an e-cigarette.
The MediPen, which is inhaled like an e-cigarette, has been described as a “completely legal and harm-free way to unleash the miraculous health benefits of cannabis”
It has been described as a “completely legal and harm-free way to unleash the miraculous health benefits of cannabis”.
It uses a substance known as cannabidiol, an oil extracted from the cannabis plant that does not contain any of the psychoactive chemicals which get a person high.
It claims to be able to reduce anxiety, depression and even relieve the pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia.
We understand that the cannabidiol (CBD) vaporiser, which can already be bought online, is undergoing quality control measures in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
But the exact location cannot be released by the NHS due to a non-disclosure agreement which prevents them from sharing client information.
READ MORE
How many of us would buy cannabis if it was sold in high street shops?
All contracts scrutinised
A spokesman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said:
“As a University Health Board we undertake a number of commercial activities, such as quality control with private companies, including Medipen.
“Due to commercial in confidence we are not able to provide any further details.
“All Cardiff and Vale University Health Board contracts are scrutinised for ethical, legal and commercial sensitivities and any breach of this will be fully investigated by the Health Board.”
MediPen believes that by testing products with the help of the NHS, the public’s perception of cannabis will change.
It says it wants to “end the criminalisation of over one million medicinal users” and make cannabis-based medication readily available to those who need it.
Managing director Jordan Owen said:
“Our contract is for the purposes of safety, quality control and to ensure the consistency of cannabinoid concentration throughout each batch.
“This is something that is extremely important in an industry subject to so many negative connotations, by testing our proprietary formula through a reputable body such as the NHS we are confident that this will have a very positive impact on the public’s perception of cannabis.
“This is a huge leap forward”
“This is a huge leap forward for the UK’s rapidly growing legal cannabis industry and we are confident that by breaking down the negative connotations surrounding cannabis this will have a positive effect on our countries draconian prohibition laws that are having a detrimental impact on the lives of millions of medicinal cannabis users across the UK.”
The MediPen, which is described as a “sleek and stylish portable handheld device ”, can be bought online for as little as £50 and has 17 flavours.
It says it uses cannabis plants grown in the Netherlands with the sole aim of maximising CBD content whilst eliminating any traces of tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary ingredient in marijuana responsible for the high.
See also: abc.net.au, 13 August 2016 Medicinal cannabis scheme will make ‘life worth living’ for Canberra resident
Fatigued, frequently ill and experiencing ever-changing symptoms, Sue Curry has spent years living with a debilitating illness.
“It’s like having the flu, a concussion, multiple sclerosis,” she said.
Her illness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is poorly understood and has no certain pharmacological treatment.
“When we are hit severe, you don’t see us anymore,” Ms Curry said…
