Why this matters
If you are prescribed medical cannabis in the UK, you may at some point find that your usual product is out of stock, discontinued, or changed by the manufacturer. This can feel unsettling, especially if you have found a product that works well for you. Stock changes can happen with prescribed medicines. Your clinic and pharmacy can explain the process for your prescription.
This guide is for patients who need to talk to their clinic or pharmacy about a product change. It offers practical communication prompts and record-keeping suggestions. Do not make a product change yourself. Your prescribing clinician can assess whether a different option is appropriate and the pharmacy can explain dispensing and stock arrangements.
“My usual product is out of stock – what should I do first?”
If your pharmacy says a prescribed product is unavailable, contact the pharmacy or your prescribing clinic for an update. Do not make changes to your treatment yourself.
Contact your clinic or your prescriber directly. You can do this by phone, email, or through the clinic’s clinic online account area. Explain that your usual product is out of stock and ask what the next steps are. Your clinician may need to review your records and consider a suitable alternative. This may involve a consultation, either by phone or video, to discuss options.
It can help to have your prescription details to hand, including the product name, strength, and the date you last received it. If you keep a simple record of your usage and stock levels, this can also be useful to share with your clinician. For example, you might note how much of your current supply you have left, and when you are due your next repeat prescription. This is a private record for your own use; it is not a substitute for clinical advice.
What to ask your clinic or pharmacy
When you speak to your clinic or pharmacy, these are safe and practical questions to ask. They focus on process and information, not on requesting a specific product.
- “My usual product is out of stock. Can you tell me what the expected timeline is for it to become available again?”
- “If it will not be available soon, what is the clinic’s process for reviewing a suitable alternative?”
- “Will I need a new consultation to discuss a change, or can this be handled by my existing prescriber?”
- “If a different product is prescribed, will the pharmacy contact me with the new details and cost before dispensing?”
- “Are there any changes to the formulation, strength, or route of administration that I should be aware of?”
- “How will this change affect my repeat prescription schedule?”
- “Can you confirm the new product name, manufacturer, and THC/CBD content in writing?”
These questions help you understand the process without pushing for a specific outcome. Your clinician will decide what is appropriate based on your medical history and current treatment plan.
What this guide cannot decide for you
This guide cannot tell you which alternative product to ask for, or whether a particular product will work for you. It cannot promise that your clinic will be able to find a suitable alternative, or that any change will be covered by the NHS or your private prescription arrangement.
Stock changes are managed on a case-by-case basis. Your clinician must follow GMC guidance and CQC expectations when prescribing cannabis-based products for medicinal use. This means they will only prescribe a product they believe is clinically appropriate for you, based on your individual circumstances.
If you are unsure about any aspect of a product change, or if you experience any unexpected effects after starting a new product, contact your clinic or prescriber immediately. Take questions about your treatment plan or timing to your prescribing clinician.
Read next
- Repeat prescriptions, stock changes and pharmacy delays
- What to do before changing your medical cannabis treatment plan
- What to keep in your medical cannabis records
Sources
- NHS England: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/medical-cannabis/
- NICE guideline NG144: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng144
- NHS England long read on CBPMs: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-cbpms/
- GMC guidance for doctors on CBPMs: https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/learning-materials/information-for-doctors-on-cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use
- CQC expectations for CBPM providers: https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/healthcare/cannabis-based-medicinal-products-what-cqc-expects-providers
