The properties and effects of medical cannabis are understandably little known about in the UK. It was never taught at University and as an illegal drug there has been no reason for our profession to learn about its medicinal properties. As a result, the overwhelming majority of doctors would, quite rightly, not prescribe it and indeed should not prescribe it without some understanding of its properties, side effects, dosage and its interactions.

Recent high-profile campaigns, especially EndOurPain.org, have led the government to announce the re-scheduling of cannabis which opens the door to it becoming available on prescription. That’s why I am taking a lead role in the formation of a new Society which will be a forum for the exchange of knowledge and best practice in this field. I urge those doctors and other medical professionals with an interest in this fascinating subject to come together, to learn from each other, to understand medical cannabis.

We are holding the first seminar of the new Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, as well as launching a free on-line training programme on Monday 5th November 2018 at the RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7PY. I very much hope that readers and their colleagues will feel able to attend. Contact for enquiries is info@UKMCCS.org and tickets are for the event are available here.

Professor Mike Barnes