Where the pharmacy fits in
Once your prescriber issues a prescription for a cannabis-based product for medicinal use (CBPM), a pharmacy dispenses it. The clinic and pharmacy will explain how dispensing is arranged for your prescription. If you have a preference or a practical concern, ask what options are available rather than assuming a switch is possible.
Ask the pharmacy team about stock levels, delivery times and how they handle queries. Those answers can prepare you for a conversation with your clinic about pharmacy options. Pharmacy teams handle dispensing and stock arrangements; prescribing questions go back to your prescriber.
What a pharmacy can tell you about stock and dispensing
Pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) must meet standards for safe and effective services. For CBPMs, this includes checking the prescription is valid, sourcing the product, and providing information on how to use it.
You can ask a pharmacy:
- Do you currently stock this specific product and strength? Stock levels for CBPMs can vary. A pharmacy may need to order a product, which can affect dispensing time.
- What is the typical turnaround time from receiving the prescription to dispatch? This can depend on stock availability and the pharmacy’s workload.
- Do you offer delivery, and what are the costs and timeframes? Some pharmacies deliver, but this may not be included in the prescription cost.
- Can you confirm the product name, strength, and quantity before dispensing? This helps avoid errors, especially if you have had a different product before.
- What is your process for handling a product that is out of stock? The pharmacy may need to contact your clinic for a different product or strength, which can cause delays.
These questions are about information and logistics. They do not involve changing your prescription.
Questions about dispensing and pharmacy choice
- “Can you tell me which pharmacy my prescription will be sent to, and why?”
- “If I have a preference for a specific pharmacy, what is the process to request that?”
- “What happens if the pharmacy cannot source my prescribed product?”
- “How do I contact the pharmacy if I have a question about delivery or stock?”
- “If I need a repeat prescription, how far in advance should I contact the clinic to allow for pharmacy dispensing time?”
These questions help you understand the process without assuming you can freely choose or switch.
When a pharmacy question needs your prescriber
Pharmacy choice is managed by your clinic and prescriber, and may depend on their arrangements, your prescription and stock availability. A change is not guaranteed.
Stock and delivery times can change. Raise prescription or product concerns with your prescriber or clinic; pharmacies handle dispensing questions, while clinical changes need prescriber review.
Read next
- How medical cannabis prescriptions are dispensed in the UK
- What pharmacy teams can help with on a medical cannabis prescription
- Repeat prescriptions, stock changes and pharmacy delays
Sources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/medical-cannabis/
- https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng144
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-cbpms/
- https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/learning-materials/information-for-doctors-on-cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use
- https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/healthcare/cannabis-based-medicinal-products-what-cqc-expects-providers
