Glossary term
General practitioner: A GP is the patient’s general practitioner. NHS public guidance says people should not ask a GP for a referral for medical cannabis if they do not fit the limited current criteria set out in that guidance.
Why this term matters
Patients often misunderstand what their GP can and cannot do in this area.
UK medical cannabis context
The NHS pathway is specialist-led, and private pathways are separate.
What not to assume
A GP is not usually the initiating prescriber for most CBPMs.
Careful wording: Avoid implying a GP can simply “sign off” medical cannabis on request.
Related glossary terms
Related MCPH pages
Sources and review notes
This entry is educational vocabulary, not medical advice. Suitability, prescribing, product choice and monitoring belong with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.