Recent reports indicate that the number of medical marijuana prescriptions in Poland is experiencing an upswing after a period of decline, previously attributed to changes in the law that will take effect on November 7, 2024. Under the new regulations, prescriptions for both opioids and medical marijuana must be issued following an in-person examination of patients, a requirement that has already begun to impact the prescribing landscape.

The Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector, Łukasz Pietrzak, has commented on this trend, noting that there had been a 50% drop in prescriptions previously, which sparked concern among health officials and patients alike. However, interest in medical marijuana appears to be recovering, reaching levels seen prior to the legislative shift, indicating a complex interplay between regulation and patient access to alternative therapies.

The Patient Rights Ombudsman is actively working on addressing the issues surrounding prescription regulations for medical marijuana. Despite the newfound growth in prescriptions, concerns remain about the enforcement of the law, as the current regulations lack penal measures for violations, raising questions about their overall effectiveness in managing prescription practices in Poland.