Introduction
As attitudes towards medical cannabis evolve, patients in the United Kingdom are increasingly exploring this alternative therapy for managing various health conditions. While the process may seem daunting, obtaining a medical cannabis prescription in the UK is a regulated and accessible procedure. This article provides a step-by-step guide for new patients seeking relief through medical cannabis.
Understanding Eligibility
Before embarking on the journey to obtain a medical cannabis prescription, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria. In the UK, medical cannabis is typically prescribed for patients suffering from specific conditions that have not responded well to conventional treatments. These conditions may include chronic pain, chronic psychiatric conditions (non-psychotic), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea associated with chemotherapy.
In general, most clinics require that patients have tried at least two conventional medications for an adequate period of time. For example, for those suffering with depression, this may include two or more antidepressants, or a combination of therapy and medication.
In all circumstances you will need to provide evidence that enough conventional treatment has been tried. Many patients obtain a list of their previous medications from their GP or provide letters from hospital appointments demonstrating which interventions have been implemented. Most clinics have staff on hand to support you if you are unsure whether the treatment you have tried qualifies.
Referral to a Specialist Clinic
Currently most medical cannabis prescribing happens within specialist private clinics or with individual private Doctors that have an interest in medical cannabis. Patients self refer to the clinic and are required to provide documentation to support their diagnosis and previous treatments.
These clinics are staffed with professionals knowledgeable about the legal and medical aspects of prescribing cannabis-based medications. A process of eligibility then proceeds, whereby the clinic will confirm your diagnosis, previous treatments and whether there are any factors that may exclude you from receiving a medical cannabis prescription. These exclusions relate to the risk of medical cannabis making certain health conditions worse (contra-indications). These include, but are not exclusive to, unstable cardiac conditions and certain mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and pregnancy.
Consultation with a Specialist
Once approved for assessment, the next step involves consulting with a specialist in the relevant medical field. For example, a patient with chronic pain may consult a pain management specialist. It is essential to choose a healthcare professional who is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and has the expertise to assess and recommend medical cannabis.
Medical Assessment
During the consultation, the healthcare professional will conduct a thorough medical assessment, reviewing the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, risk factors and previous treatment outcomes. However, this is not a diagnostic appointment and so will be shorter than appointments required for a diagnosis and typically have a duration of 20-30 minutes. The decision to prescribe medical cannabis is typically made when other treatment options have proven ineffective and no contra-indications are present.
Prescription and Monitoring
Once the assessment is complete, most clinics have a process of MDT approval. This is where your case will be discussed with other medical cannabis specialists to ensure that all factors have been taken into consideration with regards to the decision to prescribe and the appropriateness of the proposed treatment plan. The triage process is usually successful at excluding patients not suitable for medical cannabis, so it is rare for the MDT to overturn a Consultants decision to prescribe for you.
If approved, the healthcare professional will issue a prescription for a specific cannabis-based medicinal product (CBMP). Typically, 4 weeks after your initial assessment you will receive a follow up appointment to review the effectiveness of your first prescription. Patients receive ongoing monitoring and support to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments. Subsequently appointments are usually every 3 months.
Types of Medical cannabis available
Medical cannabis comes in two main forms, oral, such as an oil or gel capsule and the dried flower which must be vaped in a vapouriser as it is not permitted to smoke medical cannabis due to the release of harmful toxins and carcinogens.
Your Specialist Consultant will determine with you the best formulation and effective dose depending on your symptoms and level of experience with cannabis. All forms of medical cannabis contain various concentrations of THC ( the active ingredient in cannabis) and possibly CBD.
Navigating the Legal Landscape
In the UK, medical cannabis prescriptions must adhere to legal guidelines. The prescription will specify the type and quantity of the prescribed CBMP and the daily dosage must be calculated to provide enough daily treatment for the 28 day duration of the prescription. This is to ensure compliance with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
It is crucial for patients to obtain their medical cannabis from a licensed pharmacy to ensure the legality and quality of the medication. Most medical cannabis pharmacies do not dispense directly to the public like Boots or Superdrug, but instead send your medication to your home address.
Conclusion
For patients in the UK seeking relief through medical cannabis, the journey begins with open communication with a healthcare professional. By consulting specialists, undergoing thorough assessments and navigating the legal landscape, patients can access medical cannabis prescriptions to address specific health conditions. While the process involves multiple steps, it is a regulated and accessible pathway that empowers individuals to explore alternative therapies for improved health and well-being. Always consult with healthcare professionals to ensure a personalized and safe approach to medical cannabis use.
