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Updated on December 28, 2018. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
While many countries maintain strict standards for qualifying for medical marijuana, Finland has established a more liberal set of requirements that emphasize the medical expertise of physicians and the role of cannabis as a medicine. Even though Finland’s more lenient in qualifying for medical weed, it’s essential to understand the process.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Finland
Finland does not limit medical pot to a set of conditions, though many countries do. Instead, Finland’s medical cannabis laws give patients and their physicians the opportunity to consider whether medical marijuana is suitable for the patient’s specific symptoms and existing treatment plan.
Conditions that often qualify for medical cannabis in Finland include:
If you have multiple sclerosis, your doctor may recommend Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine that’s approved for MS patients.
How to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient in Finland
Becoming a medical marijuana patient in Finland includes the following steps:
- Schedule an appointment with the specialist overseeing your condition.
- Discuss the option of incorporating medical cannabis into your treatment.
- Review the benefits, side effects and uses of medical weed.
- Receive a prescription with dosage instructions for a Bedrocan marijuana strain or Sativex.
Should your physician recommend medical cannabis instead of Sativex, you’ll need to do the following:
- Apply for a Special Permission for Compassionate Use permit, which is similar to a medical marijuana card.
- File your application with the Finnish Medicines Agency (FIMEA).
- Obtain your permit, which is valid for one year.
- Visit a licensed pharmacy to obtain your medical cannabis strain — your options include Bedica, Bedrocan and Bediol.
If your doctor recommends Sativex, you do not need a Compassionate Use permit.
How to Access Medical Marijuana in Finland
Pharmacies distribute medical marijuana, which is supplied by Bedrocan. Not all drugstores, however, offer medical cannabis. As a result, you’ll need to check with your local pharmacy beforehand to see if they stock any of Bedrocan’s strains.
In Finland, the National Health Insurance (NHI) will cover part of your purchase, whether it’s for Sativex or Bedrocan. Just show your Kela card, a personal health insurance card issued by the NHI, to the pharmacist before making your payment, and they’ll apply your discount.
Prescriptions for medical cannabis and cannabis-based medications, provide a 30-day supply of medicine. To renew your order, visit your physician. Remember to share any side effects or benefits you noticed and discuss your experience with different administration methods so your doctor is up-to-date on how you’re doing.
How Medical Marijuana Laws in Finland Protect Patients
Finland’s medical marijuana laws protect patients. The importation of medical cannabis has prevented supply and demand issues, as well as given patients immediate access to high-quality medication that has undergone inspections for efficacy.
By requiring you to apply for a Compassionate Use permit, the Finnish government keeps you safe from potential misunderstandings with law enforcement. With your license, you can demonstrate that you’re allowed to carry and use medical weed in an instant.
Lastly, mandating that a specialist issues your prescription is another protective measure of the Finnish government. It makes sure the physician recommending medical marijuana understands not only your condition and symptoms, but also how medical cannabis may alleviate that pain.
Learn More About Accessing Medical Marijuana in Finland
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