The Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) has recently released a comprehensive report titled ESG Benefits of an Expanded Medicinal Cannabis Market. It sheds light on how more people using medical cannabis can help different groups of people, like ethnic minorities, women, and the LGBT community. This report comes when conversations around cannabis legalization and its societal implications are gaining momentum globally.
The report meticulously outlines the challenges potential patients face, particularly from marginalized communities. Many, deterred by societal stigma or the lack of accessibility, either refrain from seeking prescriptions or turn to the black market. This not only poses direct risks but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and legal repercussions, especially for ethnic minorities who are often unfairly arrested for possession.
Hamish Clegg, Co-Chair of the CIC ESG Working Group and the author of the report, emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach to medical cannabis prescribing. He says, “A compassionate approach to medical cannabis prescribing has the potential to make society fairer by improving health outcomes and bringing more people back into work.” He also talks about the CIC’s campaign called ‘Protect our Patients,’ urging GPs to prescribe medical cannabis as a significant step toward reducing societal stigma.
The report also discusses how legal cannabis can benefit the environment and society. Among the notable environmental advantages are reduced energy consumption, lower pesticide usage, and diminished waste fly-tipping. From a governance standpoint, legalizing and regulating cannabis can increase tax revenue and enhance compliance with various legislations, including health and safety, equality, and modern slavery laws.
Sam Cannon, another Co-Chair of the CIC ESG Working Group, comments on the broader societal implications, stating, “The societal and environmental harms caused by organized criminals illegally growing and selling cannabis are hard to overstate.” He points out that expanding legal access can significantly curb organized crime and its associated issues like human trafficking and environmental damage.
The report also sheds light on the disproportionate impact of current cannabis laws on minority groups. These communities are more likely to encounter police stop-and-search practices and face custodial sentences for drug possession. Moreover, their under-representation in clinical trials raises concerns about potential health risks.
Interestingly, the report correlates the use of prescription cannabis with improved quality of life and its potential to help individuals, especially those with disabilities, reintegrate into the job market. The Department for Work & Pensions’ data from August 2022, showing over 11 million claims for disability benefits, underscores the significance of this aspect. Drug Science’s research supports this, highlighting how prescription cannabis can enhance quality of life.
The CIC’s ‘Protect our Patients’ campaign is trying to make a big change. They are advocating for GPs to have the authority to initiate medical cannabis prescriptions, a privilege currently reserved for specialist doctors. This change could democratize access to medical cannabis, further dismantling the barriers faced by those in need.
The CIC’s report is more than just a collection of data and recommendations. It’s a clarion call for a more caring and environmentally friendly way to handle cannabis laws and medical use. It’s about changing how we think about and manage medical cannabis. The report wants a future where this medicine is available to everyone who needs it. It will be a key guide for those making laws, healthcare workers, and people fighting for a fair and green future in medical cannabis.
