Why this matters
If you are prescribed medical cannabis (a cannabis-based product for medicinal use, or CBPM), you may sometimes see a clinician who does not know your full prescription history. This could be a GP you are seeing for a separate issue, a hospital consultant, or a specialist in a different field. They may not be familiar with medical cannabis or how it fits into your treatment plan.
This guide is for you as a patient. It suggests how to explain your prescription clearly, while respecting the clinician’s role and keeping the conversation practical. The aim is to help you share the right information without assuming the clinician already knows about CBPMs.
Medical cannabis is available on the NHS for a small number of conditions, and through private clinics for a wider range of conditions where other treatments have not worked, caused problems, or been unsuitable. Your prescription should be part of a documented treatment plan.
What to bring with you
Before your appointment, gather a few key items. This helps you give a clear, concise summary.
- Your prescription label or dispensing record. This shows the product name, strength, form (oil, flower, capsule), and dose. If you have a repeat prescription, bring the most recent one. See our guide on how to read a medical cannabis prescription label for help understanding the details.
- Your clinic letter. Your private clinic or NHS specialist should have given you a letter summarising your diagnosis, why CBPMs were prescribed, and your current treatment plan. If you do not have one, ask your clinic for a copy.
- A list of your current medicines. Include all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and any supplements. Your clinician needs to know about potential interactions.
- A note of your indication. Be ready to say which condition the cannabis is prescribed for (for example, chronic pain, spasticity from multiple sclerosis, or nausea from chemotherapy). You do not need to go into your full medical history unless asked.
- Any side effects you are experiencing. If you have had side effects, note them down. This is useful for any clinician.
How to start the conversation
You can begin by being direct and factual. For example:
“I am prescribed a cannabis-based medicine for [condition]. I have a letter from my specialist and my prescription details here. I wanted to let you know so you have a full picture of my current treatment.”
This approach does not assume the clinician knows about CBPMs, but it gives them the information they need. If they ask questions you cannot answer, you can say you will check with your prescribing clinic or pharmacist.
If the clinician seems unsure or has concerns, you can offer to share the clinic letter or your prescription label. You can also mention that your prescription is issued under GMC guidance for CBPMs, and that your clinic or specialist is responsible for monitoring your treatment.
What to ask your clinic or pharmacy
Before your appointment, you may want to check a few things with your prescribing clinic or pharmacy. These questions can help you prepare.
- Can you provide a summary letter for my GP or other clinician, explaining my prescription and treatment plan?
- Is there a standard information sheet about my medicine that I can share with a new clinician?
- Who should the clinician contact if they have questions about my prescription or interactions?
- Are there any specific monitoring requirements (for example, liver function tests) that my GP should be aware of?
These questions help you gather the right documents and set expectations. They do not replace clinical advice.
What this guide cannot decide for you
This guide cannot tell you what to say in every situation. Every clinician and appointment is different. It cannot promise that a clinician will accept or understand your prescription. It cannot advise you to ask your clinic about your treatment plan, product, route, or timing without direction from your prescriber.
If you feel your clinician is not listening or is dismissive, you have the right to ask for a second opinion or to speak to your prescribing clinic for support. But this guide is not a script for confrontation. The goal is clear, calm communication.
Read next
- What to keep in your medical cannabis records
- How to read a medical cannabis prescription label
- Patient guide
Sources
- NHS medical cannabis overview: 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 information for doctors on CBPMs: https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/learning-materials/information-for-doctors-on-cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use
- CQC guidance for providers: https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/healthcare/cannabis-based-medicinal-products-what-cqc-expects-providers
