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<p>All applications are considered individually on their merits and with regards to
our obligation under International Conventions and Domestic law. Applications for
importation of Cannabis Based Products for Medicinal Use in Humans (CBPMs) are already
expedited, where documentation and regulatory approval is provided, in recognition
of the need to ensure continuity of the supply of unlicensed medicines.</p><p>The
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency guidance- “The supply, manufacture,
importation and distribution of unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use
in humans specials” - was updated in March 2020 to enable pharmaceutical wholesalers
to move from a system where they can only apply to import the quantity specified on
a prescription, to a system that allows the import of CBPMs in anticipation of prescriptions.</p><p>Licensed
wholesalers could hold supplies of products to be drawn on when in receipt of a prescription
from a specialist doctor on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register.
The Drug & Firearms Licensing Unit (DFLU) continues to expedite applications made
in response to this updated guidance, where all relevant documentation and regulatory
returns have been made by the wholesalers.</p><p>No officials have been seconded from
the Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit. Since 25 March 2020, it has delivered its regulatory
functions remotely, issuing a total of 1,699 controlled drug import-export licences.</p><p>
</p><p>It is presently operating a next day turnaround for applications where all
required information has been submitted with the application.</p>
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