The Isle of Man: the only place in the UK where medical cannabis is still illegal!

3 years on from legal access in the UK and the Isle of Man is still dragging its feet on resident access while gearing up for massive Cannabis exports. Why?

The IOM residents still cannot get access to Medical Cannabis because the Department of Health and Social Care took a decision in 2020 not to issue import licenses as required Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1975! Anyone on the island in receipt of Medical Cannabis is an illegal user.

We are approaching the 3rd anniversary of legal access to medical cannabis in the UK and the real-world evidence is now compelling. Thousands of patients have moved forward to medical cannabis, many have found real and lasting relief from intractable symptoms. People who were really suffering have found respite using cannabis.

The only dependent island in the United Kingdom where patients are refused access is the Isle of Man. This makes it one of the few places within the UK’s sphere of influence including the commonwealth where medical Cannabis is denied to residents.

The Pharmaceutical advisor to the island has confirmed directly to Access Kaneh that no import licenses are granted.

We asked: Can a patient who has approached us from the Isle of Man get a UK issued prescription for Medical Cannabis
“Essentially no individual or company can import these items to the isle of Man at present.
– the legal position is that patients cannot have access at this time.”

Shocking is an understatement!

The Isle of Man government is setting the island up as a major production centre for Cannabis exports. The island has introduced a detailed regulatory framework to allow commercial operators to grow, manufacture, distribute and export cannabis products under license.

They have appointed the Gambling Supervision Commission (‘GSC’) as the official regulator for Export of Cannabis. We quote from the GSC website
“Given the nature of this new opportunity and the industry’s potential for growth, there is a need for clear regulatory guidance and oversight.”

The island realises the commercial potential and benefit of the Cannabis industry but have decided to block & deny residents that will benefit by issuing NO import licenses for Cannabis.

Let’s just be clear on this – The Government of Isle of Man will allow the growing and export of Cannabis to the rest of the world for profit. But not one resident is officially allowed to legally access Cannabis for medical use!
We are standing with the patients on the Isle of Man. Let us work together to get everyone access.

Join us and lets all work together to get every one access.