Cannabis Health

A new era for chronic pain treatment? German pharma company Vertanical is on track to launch VER-01, the first whole-plant cannabis medicine with international approval. After 7 years and $250M invested, VER-01 has passed its Phase 3 trial in Germany, showing real promise for patients with chronic back pain, with mild initial side-effects, no addiction risk, and a non-opioid alternative to traditional pain relief. With Germany approval expected in 2026, Vertanical plans to expand across Europe and is also exploring the UK and US markets. Could this be a major step in changing clinicians’ long-held stigma around multi-compound cannabis medicines? 🌱 The future of pain management might just be multi-compound.

As dementia cases continue to rise globally, researchers are exploring whether cannabis-based medicines could help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Early studies and real-world evidence suggest that cannabinoids such as CBD and THC may have neuroprotective properties and could ease common symptoms like agitation, aggression, and anxiety. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness. Join the conversation at the Cannabis Health Symposium on Tuesday 25 November, where a dedicated session will explore the evidence base for CBPMs in dementia and neurodegenerative conditions. Do you think cannabis could become a standard part of dementia care in the future? Hit the link below for the full article 👇

📢 Agenda Announcement: The Value of Real-World Evidence in Cannabis Medicine For decades, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been viewed as the gold standard for evaluating new treatments. But when it comes to cannabis-based medicines, are they always the best tool? In this session, Dr Anne Katrin Schlag, Head of Research at Drug Science, will explore the growing role of real-world data in shaping medical cannabis research. Drawing on her 2022 paper, she’ll examine the limitations of RCTs, the value of real-world evidence, and why regulators should give greater weight to this data when evaluating CBPMs. Session highlights: ∘ Comparing the strengths and weaknesses of RCTs and real-world data ∘ How real-world evidence supports safety, efficacy, and patient outcomes ∘ Regulatory and clinical implications for integrating real-world data ∘ Practical insights to inform evidence-based prescribing 📅 Date: 25th November 2025 Join healthcare professionals and researchers at the Cannabis Health Symposium to explore how real-world evidence is reshaping the future of medical cannabis research and regulation.

International patient-led organisation We, The Patients is hosting a major medical cannabis event in London on Friday 7 November, designed to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare professionals through evidence, empathy and lived experience. The event will focus on cannabis-based medicines in the UK, spotlighting chronic pain management with patient testimonials, clinical evidence, and practical workshops. “These events are not just conferences — they are bridges,” says founder Carola Pérez. “Patients are leading the way, inviting clinicians and researchers to walk alongside them.” For the full story and registration details, hit the link in the comments. #MedicalCannabisUK #CannabisBasedMedicines #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicPain #HealthcareInnovation

In a historic move, Spain’s Council of Ministers has approved a long-awaited Royal Decree regulating the medicinal use of cannabis preparations in hospital settings. Following years of advocacy on behalf of patients and campaigners, the decision marks a decisive step toward the integration of medical cannabis into the country’s healthcare system. The new framework, proposed by the Ministry of Health, establishes the conditions for the prescription of ‘standardised master formulas’ made from cannabis preparations, by specialist physicians in hospital settings. The regulations extend to the prescription of cannabis-based oils only, and do not permit the use of cannabis flower. Read the full article here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ek4624qd

The first official evaluation of the CanG reforms highlights early trends in market growth, youth use, health outcomes, and crime. https://lnkd.in/eBYg5V38

📢 Agenda Announcement: Building Prescriber Confidence Seven years after medical cannabis was legalised in the UK, prescribing remains concentrated in private clinics, with no mandated training requirements for clinicians. To support safe and confident prescribing, Prof Mike Barnes, Chair of the The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS), will lead a session on Best Practice, Training, and Governance. Session highlights: ∘ Latest Good Practice Guidelines for CBPM prescribing ∘ Strategies to ensure safe, effective, and compliant patient care ∘ Training and governance approaches to build prescriber confidence ∘ Reducing variation in clinical practice to improve patient access 📅 Date: 25th November 2025 🎟️ https://lnkd.in/g4NQDJF7 Join healthcare professionals and industry leaders at the Cannabis Health Symposium to learn how to confidently navigate the evolving medical cannabis landscape.

Growth in healthcare isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people, processes, and patients. At Releaf, scaling responsibly means recruiting the right clinicians, providing bespoke training, and building structures that keep both patients and staff supported. As Dr Dr Susan Clenton MBChB MSc (Oncology) MRCP FRCR, Medical Director, says: “Scaling responsibly is about investing in people, embedding strong processes, and not losing sight of the patients at the heart of the clinic.” 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eDVFUpAe How can other healthcare businesses scale responsibly without compromising quality of care?

Portugal hosted its seventh international conference on medical cannabis (PTMC - Portugal Medical Cannabis) in central Lisbon last week, amid a growing feeling that the country – a once-thriving hub for European cannabis exports – is at an inflection point. Discussion among speakers and delegates centred around, if and how Portugal could maintain and build upon its position as the leading producer and exporter, in the context of recent developments both locally, and in the wider European industry. Read more for the key takeaways from PTMC 2025 and what they mean for Portugal’s cannabis sector. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/efkQQ5df ✍️ Lawrence Purkiss and Sarah Sinclair

Become a Partner 🤝 As our upcoming Symposium will be taking place this November, we're looking for partners to join us in this unique opportunity to position your brand at the forefront of medical cannabis innovation and education in the UK. Gain high-impact visibility through panel speaking opportunities, branding across all event materials, and exclusive networking access to NHS specialists and private sector leaders. Hit the link to complete the short form below to submit your application. We’ll also send you a sponsorship deck which outlines all available partnership and collaboration opportunities for the Cannabis Health Symposium 2025. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eqFS8dcm