The GP’s Role in Medical Cannabis Care

This role-based course is designed for GPs who want to better understand medical cannabis care in the UK, whether or not they intend to prescribe under shared care.

Primary care is often the first place patients raise questions about medical cannabis. They may be living with poorly controlled symptoms, have tried conventional treatments without enough benefit, already be using cannabis informally, or want advice about CBD products or private prescribing options. This course gives GPs the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately, support patients safely, and understand where primary care fits within the wider medical cannabis treatment pathway.

The course explains how medical cannabis prescribing works in the UK, including the difference between NHS and private care, the role of specialist prescribers, and how shared care may operate once a patient is stable. It also covers practical GP responsibilities, including reviewing treatment history, providing clinical information for referral, monitoring outcomes and side effects, identifying safety concerns, and communicating clearly with the initiating specialist.

Learners will explore when referral to a specialist prescriber may be appropriate, what information should be included, and how GPs can support patients before, during, and after specialist assessment. The course also covers key safety issues, including contraindications, drug interactions, polypharmacy, pregnancy, cardiovascular events, mental health changes, substance misuse, problematic use, and emerging dependency.

A central focus is safe, non-judgemental patient communication. Many patients seeking medical cannabis treatment may already be using cannabis to manage symptoms. This course helps GPs take a harm reduction approach, discuss the risks of illicit cannabis use, explain the benefits and limitations of regulated prescribing, and help patients set realistic expectations around symptom control, side effects, dose titration, and functional outcomes.

For GPs interested in shared care or future prescribing, the course introduces the practical steps involved, including prescribing settings, private controlled drug prescription pads, indemnity, record keeping, governance, and ongoing monitoring.

By the end of the course, GPs will have a clear, practical understanding of their role in medical cannabis care, from early patient conversations and referral through to monitoring, shared care, and safe long-term support.