The landscape of medical cannabis in the UK underwent a huge shift in November 2018 after a decision by Home Secretary Sajid Javid after the plight of children needing access to cannabis medication was brought to light. This legislative change allowed British patients to obtain a medical cannabis prescription for the first time in nearly half a century. However, despite this progress more than five years ago, many people across the UK still find themselves in the dark about the precise laws and pathways for accessing cannabis-based medicine.
If you’re considering a medicinal cannabis prescription, understanding the nuances of obtaining one may give you the confidence to take the next steps. read on to learn more about getting your own cannabis treatment plan within the legal framework of the UK’s healthcare system. MCPH is here to demystify the process for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
Becoming a Legal UK Medical Cannabis Patient
Seeking a legal medical cannabis prescription in the United Kingdom is an important journey for those seeking an alternative to conventional treatments which may have failed them. But what are the steps required to get a medical prescription in the UK? While the law does not explicitly state it, the standard pathway followed by UK cannabis clinics is that a patient must have tried two conventional medicines for a condition before medical cannabis will be prescribed.
For a list of qualifying conditions, click here.
Initial Consultation with Your GP
The process for a medical cannabis prescription begins with a visit to your GP to diagnose your condition, so many prospective patients will already have done this. However, it is important to note that some adults could have undiagnosed conditions and suffer simply because they are unaware of a solution to their ailment – this was the case for me.
While your GP plays an essential role in your general healthcare, they are not able at the time of writing to prescribe medical cannabis. This responsibility falls to UK cannabis clinics, which serve as the main avenue for securing a medical cannabis prescription in 2024.
Once a condition is diagnosed, your GP will likely suggest prescribing a medication – a conventional treatment. You must explore two conventional treatment avenues before medical cannabis will be prescribed. Both must be found ineffective or detrimental due to side effects for you to qualify for a cannabis treatment plan.
Eligibility for Medical Cannabis Prescription
To establish your eligibility for a medical cannabis prescription, most clinics will say that you need to have attempted at least two conventional treatments for the same condition.
Your GP will record these treatments. After your second prescription (if it has been found ineffective), you may request a summary of your care record (known as an SCR) which will show your treatments and prescribed date – this document proves your eligibility for a cannabis clinic to take the next steps of booking you an appointment with a specialist doctor who can prescribe medical cannabis. You can obtain the full record or request a part which shows your treatments (e.g. the past 12 months). Some clinics may be able to obtain this information on your behalf, while others currently lack the technology, but it really is quite simple to do yourself.
You can now contact a clinic safe in the knowledge that you have qualified your eligibility for medical cannabis. You will likely be able to move to the appointment stage relatively quickly.
Discussing your condition with this doctor will enable them to formulate a cannabis treatment plant to help manage your condition for which conventional treatments have failed.
Check if you may qualify for medical cannabis
Contravening Conditions
It is also necessary to discuss some of the conditions under which medicinal cannabis may not be readily prescribed (known to doctors as contravening conditions). Certain psychiatric diagnoses, such as Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia, are known to make clinicians in the UK extremely cautious about recommending cannabis-based treatment. Being aware of these considerations can help set realistic expectations for your medical cannabis journey.
It may be harder to obtain a prescription if you are a young patient. Only one clinic – The Jorja Emerson Centre prescribes to children who need cannabis medicine whereas most only prescribe to adults.
Choosing a Cannabis Clinic for Your Prescription
Due to the restrictive nature of medical cannabis prescriptions on the NHS, UK cannabis clinics have emerged to bridge the gap. Paid consultations with these clinics allow patients to obtain cannabis medicine (CBPMs).
Research the best cannabis clinic for you – there are some differences between them. Some clinics may specialise in certain types of conditions (e.g. Cardiff Cannabis Clinic specialises in Psychiatry, Leva specialises in Pain management) and some may have doctors who can see patients with any type of ailment. There are many clinics available, each offering differently-priced services and giving online consultations and direct delivery of medical cannabis to your door once prescribed. In the coming months with your helpful feedback, we will be building our own clinic guide. Medbud.wiki has a list of cannabis clinics so you can find details on them here. Check testimonials from existing patients and browse our articles and the wider web to identify a clinic that aligns with your specific health needs.
Managing Expectations: Costs and Consumption Methods
The cost of prescriptions can range from £5 to £15 per gram, but there are other costs to factor in. The initial appointment may cost anywhere from £50 – £180 depending on the clinic. There may be delivery charges and prescription costs to factor in, and the doctor will require a second appointment in month 2, and one midway through your first year. There are again some differences in practices between clinics here, particularly around pricing. WMoving Forward: The Role of Medical Cannabis in Patient Care
Taking into account the numerous conditions that may be alleviated through cannabis therapy, including chronic pain and various neurological, psychiatric, and oncological disorders, the role of medical cannabis in patient care is becoming increasingly pertinent. With over 35,000 registered cannabis patients in the UK, and research showing that millions of adults could meet the eligibility criteria for medical cannabis, the future holds a bright outlook for those seeking a medicinal cannabis prescription in the UK!
FAQ
Q: How does the medical cannabis prescription process work in the UK?
A: In the UK, the process begins with an initial consultation with your General Practitioner (GP), who will address your health concerns to diagnose a condition. If conventional treatments fail, you can consider a medical cannabis prescription. A Summary Care Record (SCR) can be obtained from your GP to prove your eligibility and a private cannabis clinic can set up an appointment with a specialist doctor.
Q: What are the steps to become a legal medical cannabis patient in the UK?
A: After discussing your condition with a GP and trying two conventional treatments without success, you’ll need to verify your eligibility for medical cannabis prescription, which includes showing your SCR. Then, select a cannabis clinic and consult with a specialist who can provide a cannabis-based medicine recommendation and a treatment plan.
Q: What are the initial conventional treatments that must be tried before medical cannabis?
A: Before considering a medical cannabis prescription, two different conventional treatments prescribed by your GP must be attempted and documented. While the law doesn’t explicitly state this, it is standard practice for cannabis clinics. Conventional treatments can vary based on your condition and may include pharmaceutical medications or certain therapies deemed appropriate by your healthcare provider. They may be ineffective if you experience side effects or if they don’t work well for your condition.
Q: What conditions might medical cannabis be prescribed for in the UK?
A: Medical cannabis may be considered for various conditions in the UK, including chronic pain, certain neurological and psychiatric disorders, gastrointestinal issues, cancer-related symptoms, and for use in palliative care. The exact conditions for which medical cannabis can be prescribed are determined by specialists at cannabis clinics based on individual patient needs and current evidence.
Q: What should you look for when choosing a UK cannabis clinic?
A: Important factors when choosing a cannabis clinic include the clinic’s reputation, pricing and its experience with your specific condition. Researching and reading reviews can help find a clinic that fits your needs.
Q: How much can you expect to pay for a medical cannabis prescription in the UK?
A: The cost of medical cannabis prescriptions in the UK varies, with cannabis flowers typically priced between £5 and £15 per gram. Additionally, consider that you’ll need to purchase a vaporizer for consumption if you don’t already own one – vaping is both a more effective consumption method and a safer alternative to smoking. The total cost will depend on your prescribed dosage and the vaporizer you choose.
Q: What forms of medical cannabis are available and what is recommended?
A: Medical cannabis can be prescribed in various forms including flower, vape pens, cannabis oil, capsules, and more, with new products launching on the medical market regularly. Vaporization is recommended as it is a safer alternative to smoking and allows for controlled dosing of cannabis, reducing the risk of inhaling harmful byproducts.
Q: What is the future role of medical cannabis in patient care in the UK?
A: The future role of medical cannabis in patient care in the UK looks promising, with ongoing research and case studies showing its potential to improve the quality of life for more and more patients with certain medical conditions. As evidence grows and more doctors become educated about cannabis therapy, it may become more integrated into conventional treatment plans.
