Polish pharmacies will be able to sell cannabis after legislation regulating medical marijuana came into force on Wednesday.

Under the new regulations, cannabis from imported plants can be used to make prescription drugs at Polish pharmacies. This kind of medicine will, however, have to be first registered with the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products.

The Polish Pharmaceutical Chamber said that pharmacists are ready to make cannabis-based prescription drugs. They will also have access to special courses if they require further training.

“Given the fact that there are nearly 15,000 pharmacies in Poland, an overwhelming majority is authorised to make prescription drugs – that’s around 90 percent,” said a spokesperson for the Polish Pharmaceutical Chamber.

“It is estimated that up to 300,000 patients could qualify for medical marijuana treatment,” the chamber said. Conditions eligible for treatment include chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms and drug-resistant epilepsy.

“According to experts, one gram of medical marijuana will cost PLN 50-60 [EUR 13.69 – 16.43], while a monthly course of treatment around PLN 2,000,” the Polish Pharmaceutical Chamber said. (aba/pk)

Source: PAP