Private Cannabis Prescription
From November 1, 2018, specialist doctors in the UK gained the authority to prescribe medicinal cannabis. Expert doctors can now legally issue prescriptions for cannabis-based medicines when they believe it can benefit their patients, marking a historic first in the country.
The discussion around the uses of medicinal cannabis has been a longstanding topic in the UK. The legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018 brought clarity to the conversation, allowing individuals to access cannabis legally through valid prescriptions. While some resort to illegal means, obtaining a legal prescription ensures compliance with the law.
This article provides insights and tips on obtaining a medical cannabis prescription in the UK.
How do I get a Medical Cannabis Prescription?
Obtaining a prescription for cannabis-based medicine involves specific considerations. Unlike regular prescriptions from a GP, medical cannabis can only be prescribed by a specialist clinic or doctor. This exclusive prescription is likely limited to a small number of patients.
If you need to get a prescription for medical cannabis, CPGUK can help explain how to get one. Follow our helpful step by step guide.
Acquiring a medical cannabis prescription in the UK requires a few fundamental steps, starting with a consultation with a specialist prescriber. These medical experts are not just ordinary physicians; they hold the credentials necessary to prescribe medical cannabis and are officially listed on the General Medical Council’s register.
CPGUK collaborates closely with an array of specialist prescriber clinics. They’ll facilitate the scheduling of your appointment with a qualified prescriber, allowing you to jointly assess whether medical cannabis aligns with your therapeutic needs.
Step 1: Locate a Specialist Clinic
The initial task is identifying a specialist prescriber clinic to determine if medical cannabis could be a suitable option for you. The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) provides a comprehensive directory of current medical cannabis clinics. This society comprises a collective of physicians dedicated to enlightening both healthcare practitioners and the broader public about the benefits and applications of medical cannabis.
For more intricate details about your eligibility for medical cannabis, feel free to reach out to us.
Step 2: Share Your Medical Records
Prior to your scheduled consultation, it’s imperative to provide the clinic with your medical records. You can obtain these by contacting your GP’s office, or in many cases, the clinic itself may retrieve them on your behalf. This summary care record encompasses a detailed history of your current medications, past prescriptions, and any correspondence from other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment.
The information required by the specialist prescriber includes:
- A list of medications you are currently taking
- A history of past medications
- Communications from any other healthcare providers
- Any other treatments that might not be documented by your GP
Step 3: Attend the Consultation with the Specialist Prescriber
Once your records have been reviewed, if the medical team deems medical cannabis a plausible option, you’ll be invited for a consultation. Depending on the clinic’s offerings, this appointment could either be face-to-face or conducted via a virtual video call.
After the consultation, there might be a waiting period of several weeks before the prescription is issued.
Step 4: Forward Your Prescription to a Pharmacy
Once you have secured your prescription, your specialist clinic will inquire which pharmacy you’d like it sent to. Alternatively, you can photograph the prescription and email it to us, ensuring that the original copy is also mailed as per legal requirements.
It’s crucial to note the expiration date on your prescription since your medication must be acquired within 28 days of that date. Should the prescription lapse, you’ll need to consult your specialist clinic for a renewal.
Step 5: Adhere to the Guidelines for Medication Acquisition
With prescription in hand, you can follow our comprehensive guide on procuring your medical cannabis via a Pharmacy’s streamlined process.
Step 6: Arrange for Repeat Prescriptions
Finally, gauge how long your medication will last and set a reminder at least 10 days before it runs out. Check with your specialist prescriber if a follow-up appointment is necessary or if a simple request for a repeat prescription will suffice.
How does Medical Cannabis Prescriptions Work?
Since November 2018, specialist doctors have been able to prescribe medical cannabis, which is any medication containing cannabis. As a result, GPs cannot write prescriptions for cannabis. Patients can, however, be referred to the appropriate medical professional if they need assistance. If they agree that a prescription is necessary, they will issue it.
These decisions are still largely made on a case-by-case basis. By law, a medical cannabis prescription can only be given out “when the patient has an unmet special clinical need that cannot be met by licensed products”.
Therefore, patients will need to pursue other treatment options before they can try prescribed medical cannabis. As food supplements, CBD or hemp oil is not subject to the same laws as medical cannabis.
During your appointment, here’s what you can expect
A medical cannabis clinic will ask you for access to your medical records when you first contact them. This is to ensure that you have a condition that entitles you to a cannabis prescription. This enables healthcare professionals to find the right program for you down the line.
Request your Summary Care Record (SCR) from your GP ahead of time to start the process. SCRs include, at a minimum:
- Any current medication(s)
- Allergies and details of any previous adverse reactions to medicines
- Your name, address, date of birth, and NHS number
If a diagnosis of the condition that entitles you to a cannabis prescription is not included in your SCR, you can also request a referral letter from your GP. The key requirement is that you must provide a confirmed diagnosis of one or more qualifying conditions. If you are uncertain about any part of this, the clinic will likely be able to assist you.
In order to schedule a consultation with your chosen clinic, your medical records must be shared with them. You will be assessed either in person or via video call by your consultant.
During the assessment, you will be asked what treatments you have tried in the past, why they haven’t worked, what symptoms you are experiencing, and how your condition affects your daily life.
As part of the consultation, the consultant will likely ask whether or not you’ve used cannabis medicinally before, and how it affected you. The purpose of these questions is to help you determine if cannabis is the right course of action for you.
The case will be presented and discussed by a multidisciplinary team. We do this to get a better understanding of how treatment may impact you and your condition going forward. You have the right to keep any discussion off your record if you wish.
In addition to allowing your consultant to get to know you, this is also an opportunity for you to get to know the clinic of your choice. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns, questions, or fears regarding the prescription process or cannabis in general.
Take notes during your consultation so you have all the information available later. When discussing a variety of topics, it’s easy to forget some important points.
How to Find a Medical Cannabis Clinic in the UK
Selecting the right medical cannabis clinic is crucial for a hassle-free prescription process. Consider the following factors:
- Opt for a clinic that tailors prescriptions based on individual conditions.
- Evaluate the cost associated with their services, ensuring they charge standard prices for consultations and prescriptions.
- Consider the clinic’s experience, as a well-established clinic is likely to streamline the prescription process.
Obtaining a medical cannabis prescription in the UK involves navigating specific steps and considerations. For more information on qualifying for a medical cannabis prescription, individuals can connect with CPGUK. It is essential to prioritise legality and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure a safe and informed approach to medical cannabis use..
What Illness Qualifies for Medical Cannabis UK?
A hospital specialist may consider prescribing medical cannabis for:
- Epilepsy: If you or your child has one of the rare forms of epilepsy that might benefit from medical cannabis.
- MS (Multiple Sclerosis): If spasticity from MS persists despite other treatments.
- Chemotherapy: If you experience vomiting or nausea from chemotherapy, and other anti-sickness treatments are ineffective.
In recent years, the landscape of medical treatment in the UK has evolved, with the emergence of medical cannabis as a viable option for certain health conditions. This article explores the health conditions that qualify for medical cannabis in the UK, shedding light on the benefits, regulations, and considerations associated with cannabis-based medicine.
To secure a cannabis prescription, it is advisable to consult with a GMC-registered doctor. General Practitioners (GPs) can also prescribe under shared care arrangements or specialist guidance. Medical cannabis prescriptions can be issued for other conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic Attacks
- PTSD
- ADHD
- Chronic Pain and neuropathy
- Epilepsy
Medical cannabis has shown promise in alleviating a spectrum of conditions. Notably, it has demonstrated effectiveness in managing:
- Lower Back Pain: Chronic lower back pain can find relief through the use of cannabis-based products.
- Arthritic Pain: Patients suffering from arthritic pain have reported improvements in pain management with the use of medical cannabis.
- Fibromyalgia: Those grappling with fibromyalgia, a condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, may find relief from cannabis-based medicine.
- Neuropathic Pain: Nerve-related pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, are among the ailments where cannabis-based products have shown efficacy.
- Pain Associated with Cancer: Individuals undergoing cancer treatment often experience severe pain, and medical cannabis has emerged as a complementary option for pain relief.
- Migraine or Cluster Headaches: The debilitating pain of migraines and cluster headaches can be mitigated through the careful use of cannabis-based medicine.
- Anxiety, PTSD, and Depression: Mental health conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression, are areas where medical cannabis is being explored as a potential treatment option.
- Sleep Disorders: Insomnia and other sleep disorders may see improvement with the use of cannabis-based products.
- Neuropathy Pain: Certain neurodevelopmental conditions may benefit from the therapeutic properties of medical cannabis. Neuropathic pain refers to any type of pain or discomfort produced by nerve injury, lesions, or disease.
Medicinal Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
The MS Society’s medical advisors estimate that approximately 1 in 10 individuals with MS experiencing pain or muscle spasticity may find cannabis treatment beneficial when conventional approaches for these symptoms prove ineffective. However, it’s crucial to note that smoking cannabis, especially when combined with tobacco, poses health risks for individuals with MS.
One of the key areas where cannabis-based medicine has gained recognition is in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Patients with MS often experience muscle stiffness and spasms, and cannabis-based products, such as nabiximols sativex, have been authorised for use to alleviate these symptoms. It is crucial to note that these products may contain THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, and their dispensing is strictly regulated.
Licensed medical cannabis products
In the UK, three licensed cannabis-based medicines are available, each serving specific medical purposes:
- Epidyolex: This medicine is licensed for use in treating two rare forms of epilepsy. It has been approved to address specific conditions associated with epilepsy, showcasing its efficacy in managing certain types of seizures.
- Nabilone (Cesamet): Primarily prescribed to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to alleviate nausea, Nabilone contains an artificial version of THC. While not officially licensed for use in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), some doctors may prescribe it to manage MS-related pain or muscle spasms.
- Sativex (Nabiximols): This unique drug is the only cannabis-derived medication licensed to treat spasticity, characterised by muscle spasms and stiffness in MS. Sativex is administered as a mouth spray, comprising an equal mix of THC and CBD, showcasing a balanced approach to harnessing the therapeutic properties of cannabis for medical benefits.
NICE’s new medicinal cannabis guidelines are a positive start but have limitations:
➡️ No additional funding, reliance on local NHS funding in England.
➡️ Limited to England; NICE advocate for Sativex recommendation in Northern Ireland and Scotland (already available in Wales).
➡️ No recommendations for cannabis-based treatments for pain.
NICE’s campaign continues for equal access to medicinal cannabis for all individuals with MS throughout the UK!
Is Medical Cannabis Safe?
The safety of medical cannabis, particularly products containing THC, is a topic of ongoing research. Clinical trials are crucial to understanding the risks involved before widespread use. It’s noteworthy that products exclusively containing CBD, such as Epidyolex, avoid the unknown risks associated with THC.
However, in reality, many products may contain a certain amount of THC. The potential risks of THC-containing cannabis products include:
- Psychosis: Evidence suggests that regular cannabis use in some individuals may increase the risk of developing a psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia.
- Dependency on the Medicine: While scientists believe the risk is likely small when controlled and monitored by a specialist doctor, there is a potential for dependency on cannabis-based medicine.
Generally, the more THC a product contains, the greater these risks become. Before prescribing a cannabis-based product, the specialist will thoroughly discuss alternative treatment options. A prescription is considered only when it is deemed in the patient’s best interests and when other treatments have proven unsuccessful or are unsuitable.
Side Effects and Safety Measures
When utilising medical cannabis, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, including decreased appetite, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, behavioral or mood changes, dizziness, fatigue, feeling high, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts. If any side effects arise, promptly report them to your medical team or through the Yellow Card Scheme.
Both CBD and THC can impact how other medicines work, emphasising the importance of discussing potential interactions with a specialist. Additionally, CBD can affect liver function, necessitating regular monitoring by doctors.
When considering medicinal cannabis, sourcing products from reputable health stores is paramount. Ensuring good quality is essential to the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. However, it’s crucial to address the safety concerns associated with cannabis products.
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs)
Because of their unlicensed nature and the limited evidence base, the law mandates that cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPM) must be provided under the prescription or direction of a clinician on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) Specialist Register.
Many NHS doctors are still cautious about prescribing medical cannabis. Even though there is a lot of evidence from clinical trials for a wide range of medical conditions, like multiple sclerosis and chronic pain, this is still the case.
As a result, guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), continue to state that there isn’t enough evidence to support NHS cannabis prescriptions, despite thousands of people across the UK using such treatments.
The NHS filled out just 6.5% of cannabis-based prescriptions in 2019. This is because many specialist doctors did not change their mindsets until a year after the law changed.
More than two years later, the number of prescriptions on the NHS is still estimated to be in the hundreds. In addition, around 1.4 million people in the UK use cannabis to treat their own medical conditions.
Getting medical cannabis through Project Twenty21
Through Project Twenty21, eligible patients can access treatment at a capped price. By tracking the effects of the treatment, Drug Science will be able to provide evidence to support funding of cannabis treatment by the NHS.
Private medical clinics are not always financially accessible to everyone. In spite of this, cannabis is being provided at a cost that is affordable for everyone who needs it.
Project Twenty21, for example, offers capped prices for eligible patients. Drug Science will track the effects of the treatment and provide evidence for NHS funding of cannabis treatment.
Project Twenty21 has partnered with various UK clinics to make medical cannabis accessible to patients. Drug Science’s data may also contribute to NICE changing its guidelines in the future, allowing cannabis-based medicines to become more widely available.
To make medical cannabis more accessible, many clinics across the UK have partnered with Project Twenty21. Data collected from Drug Science could also help NICE change its guidelines in the future, making cannabis-based medicines more accessible.
The cost of an Initial Consultation varies from £90 – £200, and the cost of a Follow-Up Consultation varies from £60 – £150. Everyone who is eligible for medication should be able to get it. Therefore, most clinics strive to keep the initial consultation cost as low as possible for our patients.
Can I get a prescription for medical cannabis?
A wide range of conditions can be treated with cannabis. According to the same laws as the NHS, the private sector can prescribe cannabis-based products for specific conditions, such as:
- Depression
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
These are just a few examples. Medical cannabis prescriptions are available for a wide variety of conditions. Also, you can ask your GP for a referral letter. It is required that you have tried two other forms of medication before enrolling in this program.
Can a private doctor prescribe cannabis?
In the UK, prescriptions for cannabis are most often issued by private clinics. Prescriptions for medical cannabis are often obtained in this way.
In just a few minutes, you can book an appointment with a specialist with the help of our resources. You can receive your prescription following a consultation with your doctor. Our Patient Advisors are happy to answer any questions you may have about how to get medical cannabis in the UK.
| Year | Active users |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 337,886 |
| 2023 | 244,685 |
| 2022 | 106,784 |
| 2021 | 32,784 |
| 2020 | 13,076 |
| 2019 | 242 |
Conclusion
The usage of medical cannabis in the UK is gradually expanding, offering a new avenue of treatment for various health conditions. While strides have been made, it’s essential for patients to navigate this landscape with caution, seeking advice from healthcare professionals and staying informed about the latest developments in cannabis-based medicine. As the field continues to evolve, so too does the potential for improved health outcomes through responsible and informed use.
Given limited guidance for doctors and the NHS’s reluctance to routinely prescribe cannabis, obtaining a prescription can be challenging.
Cannabis prescriptions are typically considered when conventional treatments prove ineffective or carry the potential for adverse side effects.
While medicinal cannabis is available for specific conditions, obtaining it requires adherence to stringent regulations. The prescription of cannabis-based medicine falls within the realm of NHS services, and only a small number of patients may receive such prescriptions. Legal advice should be sought to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
Find out how CPGUK can support you getting affordable medical cannabis using this form below.
FAQs
How much does medical cannabis cost in the UK?
The cost of medical cannabis varies from person to person, depending on their condition and dose. An average 10 gram dose costs £50 to £130 per month. A typical daily dose is about 1 to 2 grams, a weekly dose is 7 to 14 grams, and a monthly dose is between 30 and 60 grams.
Where does medical cannabis come from in the UK?
UK law requires licensed producers to supply medical cannabis. Medical cannabis brands may source their products from different countries, such as the European Union and Africa.
Can anyone get medical cannabis on a prescription in the UK?
Medical cannabis is only available on prescription in the UK if you meet the eligibility criteria. On the NHS, medical cannabis is most commonly prescribed to children and adults with rare epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea, and MS-related muscle stiffness and spasms. A patient must also have previously sought treatment in other forms in order to be eligible.
Can I apply for medical cannabis in the UK?
Patients with any of these qualifying conditions may be able to apply for medical cannabis in the UK. Your GP can refer you to a specialist doctor if you ask him or her to do so. It is also possible to schedule an appointment with a medical cannabis clinic on your own.
Can you get medical cannabis in the UK?
Depending on your eligibility, you will be able to discuss a treatment plan with a specialist or medical cannabis clinic consultant. In this way, you will be able to determine what dose is appropriate for you and your condition.
Who qualifies for medical cannabis?
A qualifying condition is one that involves pain, neurological, psychiatric, gastroenterological, or side effects of cancer treatment. Other treatment options must also be explored.
Can you drive with medical cannabis in the UK?
As with any medication, prescribers should advise patients about driving while using medical cannabis, in accordance with DVLA guidelines. Patients are advised not to drive if they feel impaired, and sometimes further information about safe consumption is included as well.
How many people are prescribed cannabis in the UK?
Statista reports that in 2018, medical cannabis products were legalised in the United Kingdom for the first time. Since then, the number of patients using these products has increased significantly. By the end of 2024, there are expected to be approximately 337.9 thousand active medical cannabis users.