The Swiss government aims to make it easier for patients to get medical marijuana, proposing to allow prescriptions for cannabis to treat people suffering from cancer or other serious conditions, Reuters reports.

The proposal would replace the current system, in which those seeking medical cannabis must apply for an exception from the Federal Health Office to get what is otherwise an illegal drug.

The proposal makes it possible for doctors to directly prescribe cannabis as part of their treatment,” the Swiss cabinet said in a statement.

Marijuana is used to help cancer patients manage chronic pain, to help boost their appetites, and to reduce spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.

Growing and processing medical cannabis as well as its sale would then be possible under a system regulated” by Swissmedic, the country’s drug regulatory agency. A formal comment period runs until mid-October.