Cannabis and medical conditions — research and limitations
This directory covers 14 conditions. Inclusion is neither a treatment recommendation nor an authorisation. Profiles distinguish research findings, unanswered questions and the Swiss framework.
- Chronic pain: cannabis research overview
A useful treatment should make a meaningful difference to daily life: movement, sleep or participation in valued activities. A lower pain score alone does not answer every question. Before an appointment, record previous treatments, unwanted effects and the goals that remain unmet. The decision concerns a specific preparation rather than cannabis as one uniform product.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): cannabis research overview
Sativex is authorised in Switzerland for a defined spasticity setting. Current prescribing information, previous antispastic treatments and individual response matter. Discuss concrete goals such as personal care, night-time symptoms or movement. Disease-modifying MS therapies serve a different purpose and are not replaced by symptom treatment.
- Epilepsy: cannabis research overview
Decisions depend on the exact diagnosis, previous seizure treatments and accompanying medicines. A seizure diary can help make changes easier to assess. Agree with the team which seizure types and everyday consequences will be monitored. A standardised medicine cannot be equated with a retail CBD oil.
- Cancer (palliative): cannabis research overview
Tell the oncology team when symptoms begin after treatment, which medicines have been used and whether eating, drinking and taking medication remain possible. Prevention and treatment of an acute episode are different tasks. Any add-on must fit the cancer treatment and accompanying medicines; a universal ranking or fixed dose would be misleading.
- ADHD: cannabis research overview
Discuss actual cannabis use openly during an ADHD assessment: frequency, reasons and symptom changes help interpretation. Diagnosis does not rest solely on an attention test or response to a substance. Ask about established care and define goals for work, education, relationships or day-to-day organisation.
- Anxiety disorders: cannabis research overview
Assessment should clarify whether panic attacks, social fears, persistent worries or traumatic memories are central. Describe everyday avoidance and previous treatments too. Ask which approach fits the diagnosis and how progress will be assessed. Self-medication can complicate assessment when perceived relaxation overlaps with symptoms following changes in use.
- Sleep disorders: cannabis research overview
Describe difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night and daytime sleepiness separately. Snoring, breathing pauses, shift work, alcohol and other medicines may matter to the assessment. Ask about treatments specifically addressing insomnia, including cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, rather than looking only for a sedating product.
- Migraine: cannabis research overview
Separate acute treatment from prevention. A headache diary recording attacks, associated symptoms and medicines used helps define the treatment goal.
- Endometriosis: cannabis research overview
Pain, bleeding, fertility plans and everyday impact raise different questions. Discuss complementary measures with the gynaecology team without treating them as a replacement for necessary investigation or existing care.
- PTSD: cannabis research overview
Care should focus on treatments suited to PTSD, particularly evidence-based trauma-focused psychotherapy. Sleep, re-experiencing, avoidance and heightened arousal need separate assessment. People already using cannabis should be able to discuss it without shame. An appointment can clarify which symptoms are being targeted and which might relate to use or changes in use.
- Parkinson's disease: cannabis research overview
Separate movement difficulties, sleep, pain and mental health symptoms. Falls, blood-pressure symptoms and changes in attention also matter to neurological assessment. Do not independently change existing Parkinson medication.
- Alzheimer's disease: cannabis research overview
New agitation should not automatically lead to a sedating product. The care team needs to assess possible triggers and the person’s distress. Family observations can help; consent, safety and treatment goals require individual consideration.
- Crohn's disease: cannabis research overview
Discuss symptoms and objective monitoring separately with gastroenterology. Feeling better on a particular day is not a reason to stop anti-inflammatory treatment yourself. New or markedly worsening symptoms need medical assessment.
- Fibromyalgia: cannabis research overview
Fibromyalgia involves more than pain. Fatigue, sleep and activity tolerance should also be assessed. Define practical goals and discuss with the team which existing measures should continue or be adjusted.
How to read these profiles
Cannabis and medical conditions — research and limitations
This directory covers 14 conditions. Inclusion is neither a treatment recommendation nor an authorisation. Profiles distinguish research findings, unanswered questions and the Swiss framework.
Mechanism and clinical benefit
A mechanism described in a laboratory is not evidence of benefit in humans. Clinical outcomes for the specific condition and medicine matter. Receptor or terpene models do not predict individual treatment success.
The diagnosis alone cannot establish a universally recommended THC:CBD ratio or terpene profile. Pharmaceutical quality, the studied use and personal risks matter. A strain name or aroma profile cannot replace that assessment.
Swiss rules and reimbursement: separate assessments
Since August 2022, medical prescribing of cannabis medicines no longer requires an exceptional FOPH permit. This does not establish authorisation for every condition or automatic reimbursement. The preparation, indication and applicable reimbursement rules need separate assessment.
Diagnostic records, previous treatment attempts and an up-to-date medication list are more useful for an appointment than a preferred product name. Record the everyday difficulties you hope to improve, remaining uncertainties and who will monitor outcomes and tolerability. Club membership does not replace medical assessment.
FAQ
Does a prescription guarantee reimbursement?
No. Prescribing, medicine authorisation and reimbursement are separate questions. Clarify which rules apply to the preparation and indication, including whether prior reimbursement approval is needed.