Denmark - The Country at the Forefront of Medical Cannabis in Europe

Over the last 12 months, a number of significant changes to Danish law means that it will be possible for its citizens to obtain a receipt for medical cannabis from January 1, 2018. And now, the National Government are ready to make a decision on whether cannabis can be grown in the country. 22 million Krone (around $3.4million) has been set aside for the expansion of Denmark's medical cannabis program over the next four years. The decision as to whether the plant will be grown in the Scandinavian country would reduce the costs of exporting any cannabis from abroad. Despite no decision being reached yet regarding the cultivation of cannabis in Denmark, 13 companies have already applied for permission from Lægemiddelstyrelsen, the national medicines authority. Currently, a monthly prescription of medical cannabis can cost a patient up to 6,000 Krone ($938). A change in cultivation laws would significantly lessen this cost, ensuring that people who need medicine can obtain it in spite of their financial wealth. If a positive decision is reached by government, Denmark expect to start cultivating medical cannabis by the summer of 2018.