Denmark proposes to make medical cannabis program permanent

The Danish government has announced plans to make its medical cannabis pilot program permanent . The move, made by Interior and Health Minister Sophie Løhde, reflects the growing acceptance and demand for cannabis-based treatments among patients with serious illnesses.

A pilot program with promising results

Introduced in 2018 , Denmark ’s medicinal cannabis pilot program was designed to provide a legal pathway for specific patient groups – such as those with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, chronic pain, or those undergoing chemotherapy – to access cannabis as part of their treatment plans. Over the past three years, the program has seen a significant increase in participation, with more than 20,000 prescriptions issued, according to a recent evaluation.

The assessment highlights that approximately 1,800 patients are currently receiving cannabis-based medications. These treatments often target serious symptoms, including chronic pain and nausea from chemotherapy, for which traditional medicines have not provided sufficient relief.