Government lifts bulk-buy importing restrictions on medical cannabis

Pharmacists will be able to fill prescriptions for cannabis-based medicines faster due to a change in importing regulations.

Guideline of the month: Cannabis-based medicinal products

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Experts call for action on OTC codeine ahead of first NICE chronic pain guideline

Experts advising NICE on its first-ever guideline on chronic pain have raised concerns about over-the-counter codeine.

One-to-one GP pain service helped patients cut opioid use, finds small study

A one-to-one pain service based in general practice was successful in reducing opioid use in 40% of patients, cutting GP consultations and improving health and wellbeing, an analysis has shown.

NICE approves first two cannabis-based medicines for NHS use

The first two cannabis-based medications have been approved for NHS use by NICE.

CPD: Hot topics in prescribing – part 2

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CCG delays surgery in obese patients in move that ‘risks opioid dependency’

A decision by a CCG to delay operations for obese patients by six months has been heavily criticised by a leading GP who has warned it will increase opioid use and dependency.

Opioid prescribing in primary care on the rise in England

GP opioid prescribing has ‘significantly’ increased in England in the last five years, a new study has found

Deaths from drug poisoning reach all-time high

Deaths related to drug poisoning reached a 26-year high in England and Wales last year, due to the greatest annual increase on record, new figures have shown.

GPs could prescribe medicinal cannabis under shared care arrangements, says NICE

Prescriptions of medical cannabis could be issued by GPs and other healthcare professionals, according to new draft guidance from NICE.