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States Greffe
Deputy Robert Ward
Chair, Health and Social Services Scrutiny Panel
BY EMAIL
2nd May 2023 Dear Deputy Ward ,
Regulations for the Licensing, Production and Export of Medicinal Cannabis in Jersey
We write regarding the previous EIA Panel's work on the medicinal cannabis industry in Jersey of which we are following up. Whilst the EIA Panel's remit is to scrutinse the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, who the previous Panel understood to have full responsibility of this industry, it became apparent during its evidence gathering that the medicinal cannabis industry in Jersey was cross departmental. The previous Panel identified that the Minister for Health and Social Services is responsible for the issuance of licences for the cultivation, processing and export of medicinal cannabis under a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Home Office Drugs and Firearms Licencing Unit (DFLU). The previous Panel therefore held a public hearing with the Minister for Health and Social Services and the Chief Pharmacist to discuss this issue.
The previous Panel's legacy report made reference to anecdotal evidence it had received to indicate that the number of prescriptions issued in Jersey for medicinal cannabis was considered elevated in comparison with those issued in the UK. It recommended that a review be carried out by the upcoming Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, in relation to the number of medicinal cannabis prescriptions issued on Island together with how often each prescription case is reviewed. In addition, anecdotally, the Panel became aware that there was a black market for medicinal cannabis with some patients openly selling their medication for profit. Could you let us know if you are aware of any such evidence and if so, are you able to share it with the Panel?
Noting the licence issuing responsibility of the Minister for Health and Social Services, could you also inform us if the Health and Social Security Panel is planning to undertake any scrutiny work on medicinal cannabis use, abuse and regulation and if so, what this will entail?
If you have any questions regarding this or our work in general, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please note that unless otherwise stated, all letters will be uploaded to the Scrutiny website as a matter of course.
Yours sincerely,
Deputy Moz Scott
Chair
Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel
Scrutiny Office | States Greffe | Morier House | St Helier | Jersey | JE1 1DD Tel: 01534 441080 | Fax: 01534 441077 | email: scrutiny@gov.je