Discussing medical cannabis with your doctor can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. While medical cannabis prescriptions are legal in the UK, many GPs may not have received full training on them or be able to prescribe directly. However, you can still start the conversation with your doctor, who can refer you to a licensed specialist if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Here’s how to approach the topic and what to expect.
Start with Your Symptoms
When speaking to your doctor, focus on describing your current health concerns and symptoms. Be as sWhen speaking to your doctor, focus on your health concerns and symptoms. Be specific:
- What symptoms are you experiencing, and how do they impact your daily life?
- What treatments have you tried, and how effective have they been?
This information helps your doctor assess whether medical cannabis could be a suitable option for your condition.
Understanding the Prescription Process
In the UK, only a specialist doctor on the General Medical Council Specialist Register can legally prescribe medical cannabis (unlicensed CBPMs). Here’s how the process works:
Talk to Your GP: You can ask your GP about trying medical cannabis, but they may not be able to prescribe it directly. However, they can refer you to a licensed clinic that works with specialist consultants. Alternatively, if you think you might be eligible, you can request your Summary of Care records and fill in an eligibility questionnaire.
Eligibility Check: Once you have filled in your form, licensed clinics like Cantourage assess whether you meet the eligibility criteria by checking your medical records (with your consent), such as having a condition that has not responded to at least two previous treatments.
Specialist Consultation: If eligible, you’ll have an appointment with a specialist doctor who can determine if medical cannabis is suitable for you.
Private Prescription: Since medical cannabis is rarely available on the NHS, most prescriptions are issued privately, and costs depend on the product, dosage, and frequency of use.
Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins with your specialist help monitor progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
To get the most out of your appointment, prepare key questions, such as:
- What are the potential benefits of medical cannabis for my condition?
- What are the possible risks or side effects?
- What should I expect in terms of cost and access?
It’s also important to be honest about your experience with cannabis, as this helps your doctor provide the best advice tailored to your needs:
Have you used cannabis before?
Whether for recreational use or self-managing your condition, sharing this helps your doctor understand your experience.
Did cannabis help your symptoms?
If you’ve used it in the past, mention any positive or negative effects you noticed.
Are you currently using cannabis for medical reasons?
If so, explain why you’re seeking a legal prescription for medical cannabis (unlicensed CBPMs).
Being transparent about your cannabis literacy ensures your doctor can guide you through the process and help determine if a medical cannabis prescription is the right option for you.
Exploring Options Beyond Your GP
If your GP isn’t familiar with medical cannabis or cannot refer you to a specialist, you may need to explore other routes:
- Use our free online eligibility checker to determine if medical cannabis might be an option for you.
- Contact a clinic that specialises in medical cannabis for further guidance. We work closely with Cantourage who can prescribe medical cannabis to eligible patients with a range of conditions.
- Seek support from online communities or patient advocacy groups to learn from others who have been through the process.
Talking to your doctor about medical cannabis doesn’t need to be intimidating. Focus on sharing your symptoms, previous treatments, and any personal experiences with cannabis, and come prepared with questions.With the right information and a collaborative approach, you and your doctor can decide if medical cannabis aligns with your healthcare needs. Remember, getting a legal medical cannabis prescription in the UK requires meeting eligibility criteria and working with a specialist consultant. While medical cannabis is not usually covered by the NHS, private options are available to those who qualify.