In recent years, cannabinoids have become increasingly integrated into clinical practice, particularly for the treatment of chronic conditions and cases that are resistant to conventional therapies. In Lombardy, and especially in Milan, interest in the prescription of medical cannabinoids is steadily growing, along with the need to clearly understand the rules, limits, and appropriate clinical pathways.
Talking about cannabinoids does not mean referring to “cannabis” in a generic sense. In the healthcare setting, the term refers to specific active compounds, used under medical supervision and within a well-defined regulatory framework.
What are cannabinoids and how they act on the body
Cannabinoids are substances that interact with the endocannabinoid system, a biological system involved in the regulation of pain, inflammation, sleep, appetite, mood, and stress response.
From a clinical perspective, cannabinoids can be classified into:
- Natural cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD
- Synthetic cannabinoids, used in pharmacological treatments
- Magistral (compounded) preparations, prepared in pharmacies according to medical prescription
This targeted interaction is what makes cannabinoids useful in specific clinical settings, but it is also the reason why they cannot be taken without a medical indication.
When cannabinoids can be prescribed in Italy
In Italy, the medical use of cannabinoids is permitted, but it is not unrestricted. National regulations require that prescription occurs only in the presence of specific clinical conditions, particularly when conventional therapies are ineffective or poorly tolerated.
The main recognized indications include:
- Treatment-resistant chronic pain
- Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- Cachexia and loss of appetite in oncological diseases
- Certain forms of neuropathic pain
These indications are not automatic: each case must be individually assessed.
Cannabinoid prescription in Lombardy: what you need to know
The prescription of cannabinoids in Lombardy follows specific regional guidelines. The central requirement is the presence of a valid therapeutic plan, drawn up by a specialist within the National Health Service (SSN) or by an authorized healthcare facility.
Key point to clarify
👉 We can prescribe cannabinoids only if the patient already has an approved therapeutic plan.
This means that:
- It is not possible to “start” therapy without a prior specialist evaluation
- The prescribing physician must strictly adhere to what is stated in the therapeutic plan
- Dosage, pharmaceutical form, and duration of treatment are already defined
The prescription is therefore a regulated medical act, not a simple patient request.
Cannabinoid prescription in Milan: how it works in practice
In Milan, as in the rest of Lombardy, the process is structured and requires several key steps. Understanding them is essential to avoid incorrect expectations or inappropriate pathways.
In summary, the correct clinical pathway includes:
- Initial specialist evaluation
- Drafting of the therapeutic plan
- Medical prescription in compliance with the plan
- Preparation of the medication by an authorized pharmacy
This model protects both the patient and the physician, ensuring safety, traceability, and clinical appropriateness.
The role of the therapeutic plan: why it is essential
The therapeutic plan for cannabinoids is not a mere bureaucratic document. It is the tool that clearly defines:
- The specific clinical indication
- The type of cannabinoid prescribed
- Dosage and method of administration
- Duration of therapy
- Clinical objectives and monitoring
Without a therapeutic plan, it is not possible to proceed with the prescription, even when compatible symptoms are present.
This approach is particularly crucial in a region such as Lombardy, where oversight of prescription appropriateness is especially rigorous.
Cannabinoids, pain, and quality of life
One of the most relevant areas for the use of cannabinoids is chronic pain, especially when it significantly affects quality of life. In these cases, cannabinoids are not considered a “last resort,” but rather part of an integrated therapeutic pathway, which may include:
- Conventional pharmacological therapy
- Psychological support
- Stress management approaches
- Lifestyle interventions
The value of cannabinoids lies in their ability to modulate symptoms, not to replace the entire therapeutic pathway.
Safety aspects and clinical monitoring
The medical use of cannabinoids requires careful attention, especially during the initial phases of treatment. For this reason, clinical monitoring is an integral part of therapy.
The most important aspects to assess include:
- Clinical response to treatment
- Possible side effects
- Interactions with other medications
- Adherence to the therapeutic plan
Regular follow-up allows clinicians to optimize therapy and reduce potential risks.
Cannabinoids: what they are NOT
It is important to clearly define what cannabinoids do not represent in the medical setting:
- They are not a “miracle” therapy
- They are not prescribable upon personal request
- They do not replace proper diagnosis or structured treatments
- They are not the same for every patient
This clarity is essential.
Authoritative reference sources
To further explore the topic of medical cannabinoids, you can consult the following institutional and scientific sources:
- Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Cannabinoids and medical use
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about cannabinoids and prescription in Lombardy
Yes, the medical use of cannabinoids is legal in Italy, but it is regulated and allowed only in the presence of specific clinical indications.
No. A prescription is possible only if the patient already has a valid therapeutic plan.
The therapeutic plan must be drawn up by an authorized specialist, generally within the National Health Service (SSN).
Only if provided for in the therapeutic plan and in compliance with specialist indications.
In some cases, yes, but this depends on the clinical indication and the current regional regulations.e dalle disposizioni regionali vigenti.
They may have side effects, especially during the initial phases of treatment. This is why medical monitoring is essential.
No. They are part of an integrated and personalized therapeutic pathway.
In conclusion
The prescription of cannabinoids in Lombardy, and particularly in Milan, is a real but regulated option that requires medical expertise, clinical evaluation, and a clearly defined therapeutic plan. Being properly informed is the first step to approaching this pathway in a conscious, safe, and truly health-focused manner.
