Medicinal cannabis clinics will not be brought under Jersey Care Commission oversight while the regulator prepares to take on other services, it has emerged – as a coroner calls for urgent action after finding that the drug contributed to a man’s death.
The government’s blueprint for extending regulation across the health sector explicitly included “clinic services, including provision of medicinal cannabis” in future phases.
But Planning Minister Sir Mark Boleat revealed this week that there were “no plans” to extend the commission’s remit to cover medicinal cannabis while it prepares to take on other services.
The commission is preparing to regulate hospital, ambulance and government-provided mental-health services, with a phased programme of inspections planned to begin in 2027. It is also preparing to regulate Jersey’s forthcoming assisted-dying service.
Senator Boleat provided no timetable or funding details for bringing medicinal cannabis clinics under its oversight, despite questions on the topic from Deputy Karen Wilson.
It follows the conclusion of an inquest into David Keith Morgan, who died in a fire at his flat at Lord Coutanche Court, Seaton Place, on 4 August 2025.
Advocate Matt Berry, acting as coronor, yesterday found that prescribed cannabis had contributed to a deterioration in the 66-year-old man’s mental health and, in turn, his death.
He said he would submit a Prevention of Future Deaths Report to Health Minister Tom Binet, asking the department to consider “whether a moratorium should be placed on all new cannabis prescriptions for mental health conditions”.
“My report will reflect that the work that has already been proposed is urgent in order to prevent future deaths,” said Advocate Berry.
The inquest heard that Mr Morgan had been prescribed increasing amounts of cannabis for anxiety and depression over the phone.
His GP, Dr Lisa Clynes, raised concerns several times, including writing to Windsor Medical Practice’s cannabis clinic. However, the clinic “continued to issue prescriptions for cannabis”, the coroner said.
My report will reflect that the work that has already been proposed is urgent in order to prevent future deaths
Advocate Matt Berry
Advocate Berry criticised gaps in the clinic’s records and said Mr Morgan’s medical history had not been taken into account.
He called for clinics to obtain input from patients’ GPs before prescribing and for “a clear pathway” allowing GPs to share concerns.
New legislation targeting doctors who prescribe medicinal cannabis is due to come into force in early 2027.
Proposals include mandatory medical-record checks, recording adverse effects, a Jersey-based responsible officer and rules on face-to-face appointments.
Health policy director Ruth Johnson previously revealed that most doctors prescribing medicinal cannabis to Islanders lacked a Jersey-based responsible officer.
“That means that Jersey cannot intervene in their prescribing practice,” she said.
