When a delivery is late
A delayed delivery of prescribed medical cannabis can be unsettling, especially if it is part of your treatment plan. Pharmacy and courier delays can happen for various reasons, from stock issues to logistical problems.
The most important thing is to take calm, practical steps without reaching for unplanned alternatives. This guide walks you through what to do, who to contact, and how to keep a clear record. It does not advise stockpiling, substituting your medication, or accessing cannabis outside your prescription.
Medical cannabis is prescribed in the UK when other treatments have not worked or have caused problems. Your prescriber and pharmacist are the only people who can advise on your specific treatment. If your delivery is late, your first port of call is your clinic or pharmacy.
My delivery hasn’t arrived – what should I do first?
Start by checking the tracking information from your pharmacy. Most UK dispensing pharmacies provide a tracking link by email or text when your prescription is dispatched. Look for any status updates, such as “out for delivery” or “delayed in transit.”
If the tracking shows a problem, or if you have not received any tracking details, contact your pharmacy directly. Their contact details should be on your prescription paperwork or their website. Ask for an update on your order and an estimated delivery date.
If you cannot reach the pharmacy, or if the delay is significant, contact your clinic. Your clinic’s patient support team can often liaise with the pharmacy on your behalf. They may also be able to advise on next steps, though they cannot change your prescription without a clinician’s review.
Keep a note of the date and time you first noticed the delay, and any reference numbers from the pharmacy or courier. This will help if you need to follow up later.
Questions about a delayed delivery
When you speak to your clinic or pharmacy, these are safe questions to ask:
- What is the current status of my prescription and delivery?
- Is there a tracking number I can use to check progress?
- What is the expected delivery date now?
- If the delay continues, who should I contact for a further update?
- Can you confirm that my prescription details are correct and that there are no issues with stock or dispensing?
Do not ask for an early repeat prescription or an increased dose to “make up” for the delay. Only your prescriber can adjust your treatment, and they will need to assess your individual circumstances.
When the delay needs clinical advice
Ask your clinic about your treatment plan, timing or route of administration if a delay affects your supply. Do not use a different product or obtain cannabis from any source other than your prescribed pharmacy. A delivery date cannot be guaranteed.
If you are concerned about running out of medication, speak to your prescriber. They are best placed to consider your situation and any adjustments that may be clinically appropriate. Do not make changes to your treatment without their direction.
If you experience any withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition, seek medical advice promptly. This may be from your clinic, your GP, or NHS 111.
Read next
- Repeat prescriptions, stock changes and pharmacy delays
- How medical cannabis prescriptions are dispensed in the UK
- What to keep in your medical cannabis records
Sources
- NHS: Medical cannabis – https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/medical-cannabis/
- NICE guideline NG144 – https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng144
- NHS England: CBPMs long read – https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-cbpms/
- GMC: Information for doctors on cannabis-based products for medicinal use – https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/learning-materials/information-for-doctors-on-cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use
- CQC: What CQC expects from providers of cannabis-based medicinal products – https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/healthcare/cannabis-based-medicinal-products-what-cqc-expects-providers
