The opening of a medical cannabis dispensary on the Isle of Man has been delayed due to “technical issues” between the Island’s Department of Health and Social Care and the UK Home Office.
The Isle of Man’s Department of Health and Social Care awarded Karsons Pharmacy a licence for the importation and dispensing of cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) on the island back in June 2022.
The licence was awarded as part of a 12 month pilot programme on the Island which aims to ensure the Government provides “the right service in the right way,” according to Minister for Health and Social Care, Lawrie Hooper MHK.
Read more: First Isle of Man pharmacy awarded licence to dispense cannabis
The pharmacy will be the first and only on the island currently able to dispense medical cannabis, and it is the first time patients will be able to access their medicine on island.
According to the Isle of Man government, the opening of the dispensary, which was set to open before the end of summer, has now been delayed.
The Isle of Man Government provided an update on the development, stating: “Unfortunately there is a delay to the launch of the cannabis dispensing service on Island. The Department of Health and Social Care has been working to resolve unforeseen technical issues between the Department and UK Home Office.
“These final negotiations should conclude within the next two weeks as a matter of urgency, with all other preparations for commencing the service now complete.
“It is hoped that Karsons will be able to start providing this important service before the end of October.
“The Department and Karsons will shortly be putting out guidance and a series of FAQs for how this service will work on Island, including accessing prescriptions, products and considerations for driving, travelling and storing cannabis-based products.
“The Department apologies for the delay and thanks the public for their patience.”
Under the licence Karsons will be able to import and dispense products, develop a robust governance process and collect data that evidences need and demand which will help to shape future service provision on the Island.
Once opened, patients with private medical cannabis prescriptions will be able to have their prescriptions filled in their local area.
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