His state of mind can be summed up in one word: “phew”, breathes Marie-Madeleine Gilanton, president of Appaiser, which unites patients with syringomyelia, a rare disease of the spinal cord.
Because that's it, after years of waiting, experimentation with therapeutic cannabis in France will begin.
"In a few days", and before March 31, indicates this Thursday morning the boss of the Medicines Agency (ANSM), Christelle Ratignier-Carbonneil, who judges this test, scheduled over two years, "historic".
For who ?
3,000 patients will enter this unprecedented study in France.
These are patients suffering from severe epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, symptoms linked to cancer that nothing relieves, neuropathic pain or even in palliative care.
“3,000 means a lot of disappointment.
Many patients will not be part of the experiment, is aware Marie-Madeleine Gilanton.
But it must be said that this test is essential to receive the support of doctors.
In the long term, we obviously hope for a very large expansion.
"
On the side of the ANSM, it is specified that medical cannabis will not be given in the first line, but when other therapies, in particular to reduce pain, have failed.
“It's an additional service,” summarizes Christelle Ratignier-Carbonneil.
Who will prescribe?
200 structures will be referenced: pain centers, rehabilitation, oncology ... General practitioners will be able to refer their patients to these establishments.
But on the non-negotiable condition of having been trained.
The ANSM is starting a training program, which is based in particular on foreign experience.
Because if France is getting started, medical cannabis has been in use for years in Canada, Israel, the Netherlands ...
What form of cannabis?
This cannabis will have the status of a drug.
And not just any: in short, not a joint in his smoking bag.
"It will be in the form of oil for oral spraying or dried flowers for inhalation", specifies Nathalie Richard, who heads the project at the Medicines Agency.
The patients concerned will have a certificate authorizing them to own their products, without risk of a fine!
However, they will not be able to drive a vehicle after using them.
And after ?
The experiment will last two years.
"The challenge is to see if medical cannabis can be generalized", assures the boss of the ANSM.
“At the same time, research must be done as in other countries,” urges the association Marie-Madeleine Gilanton.
Twenty-four months to also allow “French farmers to get into working order”.
Because for now, the products will be shipped from abroad.