The Minister of Health of France, Marisol Touraine, has requested the study and consideration of Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine, by the agency that regulates pharmaceutical drugs in the country.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

This is a promising chance for the country to alter their current law, which doesn’t allow for the medical use of cannabis, with the exception of a few dozen people a year given temporary authorizations to use Marinol (a drug containing synthetic THC).

The Ministry of Health’s consideration of legalizing the use of Sativex is causing quite a stir across the country, as many feel this would be the first step towards the full legalization of cannabis.

Sativex is used as a nasal and mouth spray, applying the active ingredients of THC and CBD to the patient. Currently used for those suffering from multiple sclerosis, the manufacturers of Sativex are studying the effectiveness of its application for other ailments, such as neuropathic pain, and pain caused by cancer (now in phase 3 of trials).

– TheJointBlog