Therapeutic cannabis in Ticino: new proposal (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• CanMedTicino is preparing a new proposal on therapeutic cannabis
• The previous model was deemed incompatible with federal regulations
• The association focuses on training and discussion among healthcare professionals

Key facts

What: New proposal and forum on therapeutic cannabis Who: CanMedTicino led by president Gennaro Ausiello When: Meeting held on September 3 and 4, 2024, forum on November 14 Where: Savosa, Olivone at Relais Lucomagno Authorities: Cantonal Medical Officer, Cantonal Pharmacist, Raffaele De Rosa Director of DSS

The discussion on therapeutic cannabis in Canton Ticino involves representatives of CanMedTicino, led by president Gennaro Ausiello, who are preparing a new proposal following the recent halt received from the cantonal health authorities. The central theme concerns therapeutic continuity for patients who need these treatments, a topic officially addressed following the responses received on September 3 and 4 from the Cantonal Medical Officer, the Cantonal Pharmacist, and the Director of DSS, Raffaele De Rosa. The Cannabis Medica Ticino Association outlined its position in a note, highlighting how the health authorities recognized the practical difficulties related to the variability of cannabis inflorescences and shared the goal of ensuring continuity of care. However, the prescriptive model proposed by the association was deemed incompatible with the current federal regulatory framework.

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Operational details

The dialogue between healthcare professionals and Ticino's health institutions continues through targeted initiatives and new operational strategies. CanMedTicino is actively working on a counter-proposal that will take into account the observations received from the competent authorities, as issues related to product variability and continuity of care remain unresolved and patients need concrete answers. The current situation highlights the gap between the clinical needs observed in the field by chronic patients and the limits imposed by the federal regulatory framework, which strictly regulates medical prescriptions and the distribution of cannabis-based therapies.

The Cannabis Medical Forum in Olivone

A key moment in this path of dialogue will be the first Cannabis Medical Forum, organized by CanMedTicino and scheduled for November 14 at the Relais Lucomagno in Olivone. This event is entirely dedicated to training and dialogue among healthcare professionals, offering a space for technical and scientific comparison to overcome current obstacles. As emphasized by President Ausiello, the forum and the new counter-proposal represent the association's chosen way forward, reiterating that those who live with pain cannot be left alone in the task of finding a solution to every regulatory or practical obstacle. The implications of these healthcare dynamics are part of a broader landscape of quality of life management and care services in the cantonal territory. For those who manage their employment and social security position between Italy and Switzerland, it can be useful to periodically check their overall financial situation also through the salary calculator to have a clear picture of their financial resources and expenses related to daily life.

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Key points

To concretely address the challenges related to therapeutic continuity and health procedures in Canton Ticino, patients and professionals involved follow a structured path based on institutional dialogue and continuous training. The CanMedTicino strategy develops through well-defined steps aimed at involving health authorities and medical staff in a permanent working table.

Procedure and operational steps for healthcare comparison

• Analysis of observations received from the DSS, the Cantonal Doctor, and the Cantonal Pharmacist.
• Elaboration of the technical counter-proposal by CanMedTicino.
• Organization of training and direct comparison events, such as the Cannabis Medical Forum on November 14 in Olivone.
• Continuous monitoring of the variability of cannabis inflorescences to protect chronic patients.

The management of health criticalities requires constant alignment between the needs of patients and the strict federal regulations currently in force in Switzerland. Those who experience situations of chronic pain or neurological disorders on a daily basis need timely responses that cannot be delayed. In addition to clinical and associative aspects, it is essential to maintain control over one's economic and social security situation, especially for those living the cross-border reality between Ticino and Italy. For a complete analysis of one's income and related tax and contribution deductions, use the salary calculator.

Source: tio.ch