Medical Cannabis Consultation Checklist
Preparing for your first medical cannabis appointment? Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready and make the most of your consultation.
Before Your Appointment
- Research your clinic – Know the clinic’s policies, fees, and what to expect
- Gather medical records – Collect relevant medical history, including:
- Previous treatments you’ve tried and their outcomes
- Current medications and dosages
- Any diagnostic test results
- Letters from other specialists
- Document your symptoms – Keep a symptom diary noting:
- When symptoms occur and their severity
- How symptoms affect daily life and work
- What makes symptoms better or worse
- Any patterns you’ve noticed
- Prepare questions – Write down questions you want to ask (see list below)
- Check technical requirements – For video consultations, test your camera and microphone
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Treatment
- Is medical cannabis appropriate for my condition?
- What type of cannabis product do you recommend (flower, oil, or both)?
- What starting dosage do you recommend?
- How long before I might see results?
- What are the potential side effects I should watch for?
- Will I need regular follow-up appointments?
About Practical Matters
- How much will the treatment cost per month?
- Which pharmacy will dispense my prescription?
- How do I store the medication safely?
- Can I drive while using medical cannabis?
- Will this affect my employment?
- How do I obtain repeat prescriptions?
About My Condition
- Why did my previous treatments not work?
- How does cannabis help with my specific condition?
- Are there any interactions with my current medications?
- What lifestyle changes might help alongside treatment?
During Your Appointment
- Be honest – Share all relevant information, including recreational cannabis use if applicable
- Take notes – Write down key points, recommendations, and next steps
- Ask for clarification – If anything is unclear, ask for it to be explained
- Discuss concerns – Share any worries about side effects, costs, or practical aspects
- Confirm next steps – Understand what happens after the appointment
After Your Appointment
- Review your notes – Go through what was discussed and any recommendations
- Order your prescription – Follow the clinic’s instructions for obtaining your medication
- Start a symptom diary – Track how the medication affects your symptoms
- Book follow-up – Schedule your follow-up appointment (usually 4-6 weeks after starting)
- Store documents safely – Keep copies of your prescription and consultation notes
Red Flags – Contact Your Clinic or NHS 111 If:
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Persistent severe nausea or vomiting
- Significant worsening of mental health symptoms
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Any symptoms that concern you
Emergency: If you experience a medical emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
This checklist is for informational purposes. Always follow your doctor’s specific advice.