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Developed specifically for pharmacy professionals, this guidance for members provides a comprehensive overview of dispensing cannabis-based medicinal products in the UK.

The Pharmacy Guidance gives pharmacists a clear overview of everything they need to know when working with cannabis-based medicines. It explains how these medicines became legal, what they are, how they work, and the different types available. It also covers who can prescribe them, how they should be dispensed, possible side effects and drug interactions, and what checks pharmacists need to carry out. There’s also practical information on prescription forms, record-keeping, and controlled drug rules, as well as a glossary to explain key terms.

Members can access this guidance as part of our Member’s Hub. To access, please join the Society.

This Member’s Only guide is your go-to resource for understanding the ins and outs of prescribing medical cannabis in the UK. It covers everything from detailed information on licensed and unlicensed cannabis-based medicines to regulatory guidelines and practical templates for clinical use.

Designed to support your practice, this publication answers common questions and offers peer-reviewed content that’s essential for informed decision-making. Remember, this resource is shaped by your experience and insights as well—your contributions help enhance its value and relevance.

Many clinicians contact the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society looking for clarity about what is and is not permitted when it comes to prescribing this treatment option for patients.

The information which follows guides you through the steps required to satisfy these requirements, with further information about the practical steps you should take to ensure you are confident, compliant and well informed.

According to research carried out by the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis in 2019, 1.4m people in the UK have used cannabis for medical reasons and over 11% of UK adults (6 million people) have tried a CBD product.

So, how should you be talking to your patients about medical cannabis?

In this guide for UK clinicians, our expert committee and patients advise.

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has considered the criteria that a medical practitioner would want to see in a good quality CBD product. 

The issue for CBD products is that there have been instances where products breach the applicable regulatory standards, either in label claims, quality, or the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. As such, we set out relevant criteria we see as necessary for products to make the grade.

This guide should be used in conjunction with The Clinicians Guide to CBD.

When it comes to prescribing medical cannabis for the first time, many clinicians have questions about the best approach. The basic principle is to start low and go slow. This Member’s Only guide, along with expert training, will support you to prescribe safely.

This guide provides an overview of CBD for clinicians, including its modes of action and therapeutic effects, pharmacodynamics and dosing.

We also summarise the current legal status of CBD in the UK.

We hope the information contained in this publication will help doctors understand CBD and help guide their patients to the safest and most effective and evidence-based products available.