I have an appointment with my neurologist this morning so, armed with evidence of the efficacy of medicinal cannabis (for me) I drive to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to ask him two things: (1) to prescribe me exenatide, a type 2 diabetes drug that has been shown to arrest the progression of Parkinson’s Disease in a recent clinical trial. My doctor was unable to prescribe it to me because the prescription service said that there was “insufficient evidence of benefit”, but he assured me that my neurologist would be able to do so; and (2) to apply to the Home Office’s “Expert Panel” for medicinal cannabis on prescription.
I failed (miserably) on both counts. My neurologist told me that he would have to apply to the Medical and Drugs Board for permission to prescribe exenatide, that he was a member of that board (and, therefore, well versed in the way that these things work) and that, in his heart of hearts, he knew that the request would be rejected. When I mentioned applying for medicinal cannabis, he could barely keep the grimace from his face, and then said “cannabis is not indicated for Parkinson’s”. I explained that I found it extremely beneficial, and that I had evidence of that benefit. I also told him that my Member of Parliament (Norman Lamb) was aware of my intention to ask for medicinal cannabis, and fully supported me. In the end, he said that he wouldn’t apply for it at the same time as applying for exenatide because he didn’t want to “overwhelm” the board. They must be extremely easily overwhelmed, that’s all I can say! I did get a commitment from him that he would be prepared to apply for medicinal cannabis after the application for exenatide has been considered, which is better than an outright refusal, I suppose, but I leave the hospital with a heavy heart.