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<p>The Department recognises both Nabilone and Sativex as licensed cannabis-based
medicines. Neither, however, falls within the scope of the definition of a ‘cannabis-based
product for medicinal use’ under the recent change to the law.</p><p>Nabilone is a
synthetic non-natural cannabinoid that mimics delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
It was issued a marketing authorisation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory
Agency (MHRA), for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy in patients who have
failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments, on 14 February
1995. There are no restrictions on its prescribing in the National Health Service.</p><p>Sativex
(nabiximols) is an oromucosal spray that contains THC and cannabidiol (CBD). It was
issued a marketing authorisation by the MHRA, for treatment of spasticity in people
with multiple sclerosis who have failed to respond adequately to other anti-spasticity
medications, on 16 June 2010. In October 2014, the National Institute for Health and
Care Excellence recommended that Sativex is not offered for use on the NHS because
it is not a cost-effective treatment. Sativex therefore is not routinely prescribed
on the NHS, and can only be prescribed for an individual patient, where local governance
and funding arrangements allow for this.</p>
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