Eligibility
Medical cannabis was legalized in the UK in November 2018, allowing doctors on the General Medical Council's specialist register to prescribe it. However, it is not widely prescribed through the National Health Service (NHS) and is usually accessed through private practice. It's typically prescribed only when other treatments have not been effective.
Conditions and Treatment
Medical cannabis may be considered for conditions such as:
- Severe epilepsy
- Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy
- Muscle stiffness and spasms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Doctors might also consider it for other conditions if they believe it could be of benefit and other treatments have failed.
Steps to Access Medical Cannabis
- Consultation: The process usually begins with a consultation with your regular GP or a specialist to discuss your condition and previous treatments. Your doctor needs to agree that other treatment options have been exhausted or are unsuitable.
- Referral: If your GP or specialist feels it's appropriate, they may refer you to a specialist doctor who is registered on the General Medical Council's specialist register and has the ability to prescribe cannabis-based products.
- Assessment: The specialist will assess your condition and decide if medical cannabis is suitable. They will consider your medical history, the evidence for using medical cannabis for your condition, and any risks involved.
- Prescription: If it is deemed appropriate, the specialist will prescribe a cannabis-based product suitable for your condition. The prescription can then be filled at a pharmacy that handles medical cannabis.
- Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the efficacy and side effects of the treatment.
Legal and Practical Considerations
- Availability: Despite legalization, medical cannabis is not commonly prescribed through the NHS due to strict guidelines and limited evidence of effectiveness for many conditions.
- Cost: Treatments can be costly, as private prescriptions are not generally covered by the NHS.
- Types of Products: The products available include oils, capsules, and in some cases, flower for vaporization. Smoking cannabis is not recommended or prescribed for medical use in the UK.
Dispensing of Medication
For delivery services, the following points are important to consider:
- Regulated Dispensaries: Only pharmacies that have the necessary licenses and comply with the UK's regulations are allowed to dispense and potentially deliver medical cannabis. This ensures that all aspects of storage, handling, and transportation meet strict safety and legal standards.
- Controlled Delivery: If a pharmacy offers delivery services, they must follow specific procedures designed to ensure the security and integrity of the medication throughout the delivery process. This includes measures like secure packaging and potentially having delivery personnel trained to handle controlled substances.
- Patient Verification: Delivery of medical cannabis typically requires verification of the recipient's identity to ensure the medication is delivered to the patient it was prescribed for.