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By Zul Mamon, Pharmacist and MCCS Executive Committee Member

The General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) recent thematic review into the supply of cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) has revealed an uncomfortable truth: seven years after legalisation, pharmacy practice in this sector remains inconsistent, fragmented, and in some cases unsafe.

As a pharmacist with over 40 years in the profession, including senior roles in medicines distribution, I believe this report is one of the most important regulatory interventions to emerge since CBPMs became legal in 2018.

This review exposes long-standing weaknesses that many of us working in this area have recognised for years, and it sets out changes that are now essential if CBPMs are to be supplied safely.

Below, we outline the core issues highlighted by the GPhC and why the Society supports the reforms proposed, as well as advocating for an additional recommendation.

What the GPhC found

The findings are clear.  Inspection across 25 pharmacies revealed significant problems across governance, safety, training, and clinical oversight, exposing a “postcode lottery” of care, putting many patients at risk. Without better systems, clearer standards, and appropriate clinical information, pharmacists cannot discharge their responsibilities safely, and patients will continue to be put at risk.

Poor governance

The review identified widespread gaps in governance, including pharmacies operating without formal risk assessments for supplying unlicensed cannabis medicines. In online settings, these risks were amplified by a lack of  oversight.

Safeguarding concerns

CBPM patients commonly live with complex and chronic health needs. Despite this, many pharmacies lacked appropriate safeguarding processes, audits, and staff training. In one case, a pharmacist issued a controlled drug to a patient with a known history of drug misuse.

Inconsistent competence

Training provision varied significantly. Some pharmacies relied on unverified or outdated materials. Others allowed unqualified staff to participate  in the dispensing process.Fragmented and siloed care

One of the most serious findings was the absence of shared information between clinics and pharmacies. Many pharmacists were asked to dispense CBPMs without any access to patient records, making safe clinical checks impossible.

Real-world harm

These failures had real consequences for patients, including:

What needs to change: Three urgent reforms

The GPhC recommends three practical and urgent reforms needed to protect patients and build a reliable medical cannabis framework. These findings will inform a larger review by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The  Society fully supports these recommendations.

  1. Connect the System: Create shared data systems so that doctors, clinics, and pharmacists can communicate effectively and share information. This is essential for providing joined-up, safe care.
  2. Give Pharmacists the Full Picture: Grant all pharmacies, including private ones, access to patient records. This would allow them to conduct proper clinical checks and prevent harmful drug interactions.
  3. Strengthen Cross-Regulator Cooperation: All regulatory bodies must work together to enforce high standards consistently across the sector. A unified approach is the only way to ensure quality and safety for every patient.

A fourth reform the sector now needs: Specialist training and clear guidance for pharmacists

Alongside the GPhC’s three urgent reforms, there is a fourth requirement that must now be recognised: specialist education for pharmacists dispensing CBPMs.

Pharmacists are responsible for supplying unlicensed Schedule 2 cannabis medicines safely and lawfully. Yet there is no national training standard for this area of practice. This gap contributes directly to the inconsistencies highlighted in the GPhC review.

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has already taken steps to address this and many pharmacists already rely on our guidance to navigate this fast-moving and often poorly defined area of practice. 

In April 2025 we published Guidance for Pharmacists Dispensing CBPMs, developed specifically for pharmacy professionals. This detailed resource gives pharmacists the essential information they need, including:

This guidance is already supporting pharmacists across the UK to build confidence, strengthen clinical checks, and ensure patients receive safe and consistent care.

To build on this foundation, the Society is developing a dedicated online training module for pharmacists, launching in December. This structured, CPD-aligned course will offer the practical, regulator-aligned training that is currently missing from the national landscape.

Together, the guidance and upcoming training form the pharmacy-standard pathway the sector urgently needs, and the fourth reform we believe should sit alongside those recommended by the GPhC.

A turning point for the sector

The UK’s medical cannabis system is at a turning point, and the GPhC review should act as a catalyst for long-overdue change. The evidence shows it is currently failing many of the vulnerable patients it was designed to help. As someone who has worked across community pharmacy, medicines distribution, and specialist practice, I believe these reforms, combined with clearer education and stronger professional support, can finally bring consistency, accountability, and safety to this area of care.

Patients deserve a system that is safe, consistent, and professionally robust. Pharmacists deserve the tools, information, and clinical access required to carry out their duties. And the wider sector needs coherent standards across all regulators and providers. The Society remains committed to supporting pharmacists to meet these expectations and to strengthening standards across the UK. The hope is that these findings will drive meaningful change, leading to a system that is not only legal but also safe, reliable, and effective for all.

Join the Society

If you are a pharmacist working with CBPMs, or seeking to build confidence and competence in this area, we invite you to join the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society.

Membership provides access to guidance, training, expert commentary, and the UK’s largest peer network of medical cannabis professionals.

Date: 11 March 2026 |  Time: 7:00pm (UK) | Register: Click to register now via Zoom

What happens when a patient comes into hospital, a hospice, or a care setting with a medical cannabis prescription? How should clinical teams respond, and what are the right steps to ensure safe, lawful, and compassionate care?

This webinar is designed to help answer those questions. A companion session to the Managing Medical Cannabis in Hospitals and Care Settings Guide, it supports cannabis-naïve clinicians and healthcare teams working across hospitals, hospices, and community services.

The session explores the safe, legal, and ethical management of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) in hospitals, hospices, and community care. 

It explains how to apply existing legislation and professional standards to everyday practice, aligning with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Equality Act 2010, CQC standards, NICE guidance, and GMC prescribing requirements. The focus is on giving clinicians the confidence to manage CBPMs appropriately and deliver safe, compliant, and patient-centred care.

What you will learn

Who it’s for

This session is designed for multidisciplinary healthcare teams involved in patient care and medicines management, including:

Registration 

The webinar is free to attend. It will be recorded and made available to all registered participants who wish to watch in their own time.

Book your place

This 45-minute session will be followed by a 15-minute open Q&A with Dr Evan Lewis and Dr Dave Tang.

Places are free but limited, so register now to secure your spot and learn how to apply structured, evidence-informed dosing guidance in your clinical work.

Speakers

Dr Evan Lewis, Paediatric Neurologist & Clinical Neurophysiologist
Dr Evan Lewis is an Executive Committee member of the Society and a Paediatric Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist specialising in epilepsy. He is the founder and director of the Neurology Centre of Toronto (NCT) and serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto. Dr Lewis is internationally recognised for his clinical and academic contributions, and for his leadership in advancing safe, evidence-informed approaches to medical cannabis in paediatric neurology.

Dr David Tang, Consultant in Emergency Medicine
Dr David Tang sits on the Society’s Executive Committee and is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine with specialist expertise in musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, and chronic pain. His clinical practice bridges acute care and longer-term symptom management, and he brings valuable insight into how medical cannabis can support patients with complex or persistent pain presentations.

Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026 |  Time: 7:00pm (UK) | Register: Click to register now via Zoom

Join The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society and Curaleaf Laboratories for an in-depth exploration of emerging delivery systems for cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs). This webinar is designed for prescribers, pharmacists, nurses, and healthcare professionals involved in medical cannabis care.

As clinical practice evolves beyond traditional oil and flower preparations, new formulations – such as cartridges, capsules, pastilles, creams, and inhaler devices – offer diverse options for patients and prescribers alike. This session will examine the science, safety, and clinical application of these formats, with expert insight from three leading UK clinicians.

What you will learn

This event builds on the Society’s aims to help healthcare professionals prescribe confidently, safely, and in line with best practice guidance.

Who should attend?

Doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and professionals involved in prescribing, dispensing, or advising on CBPMs who want to expand their knowledge of new delivery methods and clinical applications.

Register for Free

This 45-minute session will be followed by a 15-minute open Q&A with Dr Niraj Singh, Dr Rob Forbes, and Matthew Rawdings, Pharmacist from Curaleaf Laboratories.

This webinar is kindly supported by Curaleaf. We are grateful for their ongoing support of clinician education. If your organisation is interested in supporting the Society’s work, please get in touch.

Places are free but limited, so register now to secure your spot and learn how to apply structured, evidence-informed dosing guidance in your clinical work.

Speakers

Dr Niraj Singh, Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr Niraj Singh is an Executive Committee member and an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and Autism. With a holistic clinical approach, he has a strong interest in emerging and alternative treatments. Dr Singh is committed to ensuring that patients who may benefit from medical cannabis receive safe, well-monitored access under specialist care.

Dr David Tang, Consultant in Emergency Medicine
Dr David Tang sits on the Society’s Executive Committee and is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine with specialist expertise in musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, and chronic pain. His clinical practice bridges acute care and longer-term symptom management, and he brings valuable insight into how medical cannabis can support patients with complex or persistent pain presentations.

Matty Rawding, Pharmacist
Matty Rawding is a member of the Society’s Executive Committee and a Medical Cannabis Specialist Pharmacist at Curaleaf Laboratories, the first UK facility to produce medical cannabis domestically. A practising pharmacist since 2019, he is completing a PhD in cannabinoid science at the University of Birmingham. Matty is recognised for his leadership in improving patient access, supporting prescribers, and shaping clinical understanding of medical cannabis across the UK.

By Zul Mamon,  Expert Committee Member

This article summarises the crucial insights shared during my presentation “The Role of the Pharmacist: Best Practices for Dispensing CBPM” at the Cannabis Health Symposium on 25 November 2025, which explored how pharmacists can optimise patient outcomes and drive clinical excellence, offering a roadmap for pharmacists navigating this complex and growing area of practice.

Sarah’s Story

Let’s consider Sarah’s story. Like many patients, Sarah experienced confusion and delays when trying to access her CBPM prescription.

Sarah is a 45-year-old mother of two, living with chronic pain that has made even the simplest tasks unbearable. After years of trying traditional treatments with little success, Sarah was told by a friend to try cannabis, which is now legally available on prescription.

Sarah did some research, as we all do, using Google and found a clinic which could help her, and proceeded to complete an online form She managed to get an appointment during which an independent prescriber triaged her. The appointment lasted around 15 minutes to confirm her eligibility. Shortly afterwards, she had an appointment with a Specialist Prescriber. This lasted around 10 minutes.

She was prescribed medication, and after a wait of around a day, Sarah received a payment link from a pharmacy that was connected to the clinic. Sarah was hopeful, but she had to wait to receive her prescription medicines.  There was hardly any communication from the pharmacy or the clinic.

When she contacted the online pharmacy by email, it took several days to receive a reply. This left Sarah feeling frustrated and uncertain about her treatment.

Eventually, the medication arrived by secure post.  Unsure how to use her medication, Sarah contacted the pharmacist again by email as it was the only mode of communication available. The pharmacist was unable to provide comprehensive guidance.

This scenario is more common than we’d like to admit, and something the MCCS is working hard to ensure becomes a thing of the past. 

In this article we explore how pharmacists can ensure patients like Sarah receive the guidance, support, and care they need to achieve the best outcomes.

Pharmacists are often the last point of contact in a patient’s journey for CBPMs and are responsible for providing the proper guidance and support. By implementing best practices, we can transform the experience for patients like Sarah, ensuring they receive the high-quality care they deserve.

The Pharmacist’s Pivotal Role in the CBPM Pathway

The pharmacist’s function in the CBPM clinical pathway is multifaceted and vital. It extends far beyond simply dispensing medication. It begins with a prescription assessment to ensure legality and accuracy, followed by safe dispensing protocols.

However, the role doesn’t end there. Patient education is a cornerstone of adequate care. Pharmacists must provide clear guidance on dosage, administration methods, and potential side effects. Finally, ongoing monitoring enables tracking of therapeutic outcomes and the prompt management of issues that arise during treatment. Without access to clinical data and direct patient contact, significant gaps can emerge, leading to reduced patient education, ineffective safeguarding, and missed opportunities for clinical intervention.

Insights from the GPhC 2025 Report

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) 2025 thematic report served as a critical reference point, providing a snapshot of how CBPMs are managed across the UK. The report highlighted significant gaps in governance, safeguarding, and clinical oversight, serving as a wake-up call for the industry.

The GPhC brought two critical issues to the forefront:

1.Lack of Access to Clinical Records

Many pharmacies operate without access to a patient’s medical history. This severely limits the ability to perform meaningful safety checks for potential drug interactions, contraindications, or therapy duplications, thereby increasing the risk of adverse events.

2. Inappropriate Prescribing

The report noted instances of inappropriate prescribing, such as providing controlled drugs to individuals with a history of substance misuse. Access to clinical records would empower pharmacists to identify and flag these risks and to take appropriate action to safeguard patients.

These findings underscore the need for systemic changes to ensure pharmacists have the tools required to meet the highest standards of care.

A Framework for Best Practice in CBPM Management

To address the identified challenges, a robust best-practice framework is essential. This framework should be built on four key pillars:

This involves more than just a standard check. It means confirming the prescriber is on the Specialist Register and ensuring the prescription is appropriate and complies with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Pharmacists must document all such checks.

Dispensing CBPMs requires a deep understanding of patient safety. This includes assessing medical history and monitoring for side effects.

Patients need clear, non-technical information about their medication. Pharmacists should explain dosage, administration, storage, and handling. It’s also vital to manage expectations and clarify the difference between medicinal and recreational cannabis.

Seamless communication and coordinated efforts across the healthcare team are non-negotiable. This ensures a holistic approach to patient care, reducing the risk of errors and miscommunication.

Navigating Common Challenges in CBPM Practice

The path to optimising CBPM dispensing is not without its obstacles. Three common challenges frequently impact patient care:

Many CBPMs are imported, leading to limited availability, variable product quality, and complex procurement processes. These factors can disrupt consistent patient access to medication.

Knowledge gaps among pharmacy teams, coupled with the stigma surrounding cannabis, can create significant barriers. The GPhC report noted that many pharmacies were using unverified sources for training, highlighting a need for standardised education.

Complex dosing regimens and poor side-effect management can make it difficult for patients to adhere to their treatment plans.

Practical Solutions for Real-World Problems

Overcoming these challenges requires practical and proactive solutions.

For supply chain management, pharmacists should establish robust supplier relationships, identify backup procurement sources, and implement digital inventory-tracking systems. Developing clear communication protocols to inform patients of supply disruptions is also crucial.

To improve education and training, regular team training on CBPM knowledge is essential. Working with industry partners to develop standardised patient information resources and counselling aids can help bridge communication gaps and empower patients with clear, accessible information.

Building Confidence: The Three Pillars of Professional Development

Building confidence in CBPM practice is a continuous journey. A professional development strategy grounded in the following three pillars can help pharmacists enhance their competence and provide the best possible care.

The field of CBPMs is rapidly evolving. Pharmacists must stay current with emerging research, regulatory changes, and new clinical guidelines.

Engaging with specialist groups like the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS), attending symposiums, and participating in peer support forums are excellent ways to share knowledge and learn from others. These networks provide a platform for collaboration and discussion.

Implementing systematic quality measures is vital. Conducting regular audits, seeking patient feedback, and refining protocols are critical steps to ensure the highest standard of care is not just met, but exceeded.

A Call to Action for Pharmacists

Let’s return to Sarah. Imagine if her pharmacist was well-trained in CBPMs, had access to her clinical records, and could offer clear, confident guidance. She would feel supported and reassured, knowing she is in capable hands. This is the tangible impact we can have.

By embracing our role in the clinical pathway, implementing best practices, and collaborating effectively with the wider healthcare team, we can ensure that every patient receives the care they deserve.

Let’s work together to raise the standard of CBPM practice and make a real difference in our patients’ lives.

If you’re a pharmacist working with CBPMs – or want to build your confidence in this area – now is the ideal time to join the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society. Membership for pharmacists is just £60 a year and gives you access to peer support from pharmacy colleagues, specialist guidance, practical dispensing resources, and CPD-accredited training designed for busy clinicians.

Join today and strengthen your role in safe, effective CBPM care.

About the author

Zul Mamon is a member of the Expert Committee at the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, a pharmacist and a Responsible Person with extensive experience across community pharmacy and the medical cannabis sector. As the founder of Pharma Experts and co-founder of both Amber Green Clinics and Blue Angel Care, he has developed a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of modern healthcare.

Driven by a passion for advancing the profession, Zul focuses on navigating the complex challenges and identifying key opportunities within the field. He is committed to sharing his insights to help enhance patient care, improve clinical governance, and support the professional development of his peers.

The minutes from the latest meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Medical Cannabis under Prescription, held on 3 November 2025, are now available.

You can download the full document here: APPG on Medical Cannabis Under Prescription – Minutes of Meeting, 3 November 2025

This update provides an overview of discussions, priorities, and next steps for parliamentary engagement.

The APPG on Medical Cannabis under Prescription will hold its next meeting and AGM on Tuesday 13 January 2026, 12–1pm.

Earlier this week, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society was proud to co-host the UK’s first Cannabis Health Symposium, where several of our executive committee members contributed to a packed agenda of education on cannabis-based medicine. 

Out of almost 200 delegates, the event welcomed around 100 doctors – including 50 who had never prescribed medical cannabis before – to hear expert-led presentations, clinical case studies, and practical guidance to gain a deeper understanding of how it can safely and effectively support patients with a range of health conditions.

The Society was delighted to have several representatives presenting on the day and to welcome many new clinicians interested in prescribing safely, confidently, and in line with best practice.

Read on for a summary of some of the key talks by our MCCS committee members.  

Building Prescriber Confidence: Best Practice, Training, and Governance | Professor Mike Barnes

MCCS Chair, Professor Mike Barnes opened the symposium by setting out the current landscape of UK medical cannabis prescribing and the clinical standards needed to safeguard patients. With around 80,000 patients and only 160 active prescribers – almost all in the private sector – he highlighted wide variation in practice quality, from excellent multidisciplinary clinics to services offering unsafe 10-minute consultations and limited communication with GPs.

Prof Barnes reiterated key principles from the MCCS Good Practice Guide, emphasising the importance of evidence-based product selection and advising clinicians to focus on chemovars and Certificates of Analysis rather than terminology like ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’. He also called for modernisation of the sector, from electronic prescribing to improved training pathways, arguing that clinical decisions must remain independent from commercial pressures.

🔗 Explore more about Good Practice in medical cannabis 

NHS Integration – Bridging the Gap Between NHS and Private Providers | Dr Rob Forbes & Dr David Tang

Committee members Dr Rob Forbes and Dr David Tang took part in a panel discussion focused on the two-tier system created by the lack of NHS prescribing of CBPMs, hindered by strict unlicensed medicine rules, a lack of NICE advocacy, and institutional risk aversion. They described barriers ranging from stigma and poor communication to the misclassification of CBPMs as ‘cannabis misuse disorder’ in NHS records.

Panelists called for practical, system-level solutions such as shared documentation standards, interoperable digital systems, GP engagement, and national guidance clarifying responsibilities between sectors. They emphasised that private providers must “get their house in order” on data quality and communication, while NHS stakeholders need clearer pathways and better education.

Exploring the Endocannabinoid System | Dr Rowan Thompson

Dr Rowan Thompson delivered an engaging introduction to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), explaining its core components and its regulatory role across pain, mood, sleep, appetite, immune response, and cognition. Thompson also explored how diet, metabolic health, and chronic disease affect ECS tone, helping explain wide variation in patient responses to THC and CBD. 

ECS dysregulation, he noted, is implicated across conditions commonly treated with CBPMs, from migraine and IBS to fibromyalgia and substance use disorders. Despite being one of the body’s major regulatory systems, the ECS is absent from all UK medical curricula, an omission he argued must be urgently addressed to support safe, effective prescribing.

The Role of the Pharmacist: Best Practice for Dispensing CBPMs | Zul Mamon

Pharmacist and expert committee member Zul Mamon presented an insightful account of current pharmacy-side challenges through the story of ‘Sarah’, a patient whose prescribing journey was marked by delays, poor communication, and uncertainty about how to use her medication. Mamon connected this experience to findings from the 2025 GPhC inspection, which identified widespread issues across 24 CBPM pharmacies, including inadequate access to clinical records, inconsistent safety checks, and insufficient pharmacist involvement in patient education.

He argued that pharmacists must act as clinical gatekeepers, providing safety verification, interaction checks, clear dosing guidance, and ongoing monitoring. To achieve this, the sector needs better training, more robust procurement processes, digital stock tracking, and structured communication between clinics and pharmacies. 

🔗 Read Zul Mamon’s detailed blog taken from his presentation. 

Exploring the Evidence Base: CBPMs in Psychiatry & Neurodiversity | Dr Niraj Singh

Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Niraj Singh, explored the complex interface between CBPMs and psychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions, where symptoms often overlap and patients present with multi-system needs. He noted that evidence points to meaningful benefits for selected individuals across anxiety, PTSD, mood instability, agitation, and autism-related symptoms.

Drawing on clinical experience, Dr Singh discussed atypical responses in neurodivergent patients, sex-based differences in THC requirements, and the value of balanced oils for daytime functioning. He stressed the need for cautious titration, robust follow-up, and clinician understanding of vulnerabilities such as trauma, emotional dysregulation, or sensory sensitivity. 

Looking Forward: The Future of Cannabis Medicine in the UK | Dr Richard Hazlett

GP, Dr Richard Hazlett, took part in a forward-looking panel which discussed how to scale medical cannabis responsibly over the next five years. Panelists envisioned GP-initiated prescribing, NHS engagement, and more accessible formats such as vapourisers, pastilles, and transdermal systems. Education emerged as the most significant bottleneck, with almost no ECS content in medical training. The panel called for impartial, evidence-based guideline development led by professional bodies, alongside more regulatory engagement as patient numbers rise.

They also highlighted major cost-saving opportunities for the NHS, citing conditions like cluster headache and the broader potential for reduced polypharmacy and return-to-work outcomes. If one change could be made today, panellists prioritised enabling specialist GPs to prescribe, expanding product formats, and establishing robust training pathways.

Exploring the Evidence Base: CBPMs for Pain Management | Professor Mike Barnes

Returning to the stage, Professor Barnes reviewed the substantial evidence supporting CBPMs for chronic pain, which represents 55% of UK prescriptions. He presented data from 66 RCTs and over 20,000 participants demonstrating efficacy across neuropathic, arthritic, spasticity-related, cancer-related, and post-surgical pain. THC is the primary analgesic agent, supported by multiple minor cannabinoids and terpenes, while CBD contributes by improving sleep and anxiety.

Typical therapeutic doses range from 10–30 mg THC per day, with real-world averages around 15 mg, and no evidence of tolerance escalation. Prof Barnes also highlighted strong data showing opioid reductions of up to 50% in many patients and potential population-level benefits in reducing opioid-related deaths. He referenced the health economics analysis which suggested medical cannabis could save billions for the NHS through reduced medication burden and improved functional outcomes.

Beyond the Benefits: Recognising Risks, Side-effects & Contraindications of CBPMs | Dr Jenny Forbes 

Dr Jennifer Forbes, GP and addictions specialist, offered a practical overview of the key risks, side-effects and contraindications associated with prescribing unlicensed CBPMs, emphasising that rising patient demand must be matched with careful, accountable clinical practice. She highlighted how different formulations carry varying risk profiles, with oils and capsules offering more predictable dosing, while flower and vape cartridges deliver faster onset but higher THC peaks and increased likelihood of adverse events. Drug–drug interactions were underscored as a major concern, particularly CBD-related CYP450 inhibition affecting medications such as clobazam, SSRIs and warfarin.

Forbes stressed the importance of structured risk–benefit reasoning, thorough history-taking and clear communication about the unlicensed nature of treatment, driving rules and pregnancy considerations. She encouraged clinicians to titrate slowly, aim for the lowest effective THC exposure, and to use regular reviews, symptom diaries and the MHRA Yellow Card scheme to monitor safety. 

Practicalities for Prescribing CBPMs in Women’s Health | Dr Dani Gordon

Dr Dani Gordon explored the wide applicability of CBPMs across women’s health, including menopause, PMDD, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, postpartum symptoms, and neurodivergent presentations. She emphasised that women often present with interconnected issues making cannabis particularly suited to holistic symptom modulation.

Gordon discussed mechanisms including inflammation modulation, stress-axis regulation, and emerging evidence around mast cell involvement in endometriosis. She noted that women may require lower THC doses on average, and that oils are typically first-line, with inhaled options reserved for acute symptoms. Tracking symptoms across the menstrual cycle is essential for prescribing, as responses to cannabinoids may shift with hormonal fluctuations.

How to prescribe medical cannabis workshops 

The Society also hosted two successful workshops during the event. Committee members Dr Jen Forbes and Dr Richard Hazlett, alongside Richard Cupit of PiB Insurance, delivered a session on How to Start Prescribing Medical Cannabis. This was followed by an overview of best practice and guidelines for dosing medical medical cannabis, delivered by Dr Rowan Thompson, an editor of our new publication on this topic. 

 

A big thank you to all the clinicians and Society members who took part on the day.

New training and resources based on the committee-led talks will be available soon for any members who were unable to attend the symposium. Looking to join the Society? Find out more and sign up here.

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has released an important new clinical reference text for prescribers: Medical Cannabis Oils: Dosing and Guidance for Safe and Effective Treatment in Adults and Children.

This comprehensive handbook brings together clear, evidence-based protocols for dosing, titrating, and monitoring medical cannabis promoting safe practice in real-world settings. It is now available as a PDF and Kindle eBook, with a print edition to follow.

Why this handbook matters

Prescribers working with medical cannabis oils have not had a single, structured, practical resource to guide dosing and titration. This publication fills that gap with detailed dosing tables for twelve commonly treated conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, autism, anxiety, headache, and sleep disorders.

It also sets out step-by-step recommendations for safe initiation, titration, monitoring, managing adverse effects, recognising drug interactions, and applying harm-reduction principles.

The handbook is edited by Dr Evan Cole Lewis, paediatric and adult neurologist and Assistant Professor at the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, and Dr Rowan Thompson, Resident Doctor. Both are members of the Society’s Executive Committee and bring extensive experience in cannabinoid medicine. Other members of the Committee contributed clinical insights, case experience and technical input throughout the development of the handbook. 

The text marries up-to-date evidence in condition-specific medical cannabis dosing with the collective expertise of key prescribers who have treated thousands of patients. Together this knowledge has helped shape this practical, evidence-informed resource that reflects real-world UK and North American prescribing practices. The guide provides clear, structured protocols that support safe prescribing in everyday clinical environments, with safety and clarity at the centre of its approach.

For many clinicians, formal teaching on the endocannabinoid system and cannabis-based medicines was absent from undergraduate and postgraduate training. This handbook closes that knowledge gap, giving prescribers a solid foundation for dosing cannabis oils, titrating confidently, and adjusting treatment to optimise patient outcomes.

A milestone for clinical practice

This publication represents a significant step forward for clinicians working with cannabis-based medicines in the UK and North America. It sets out standardised guidance shaped by the experience of prescribers who have been practising safely and effectively for many years.

The handbook aligns with the Society’s CPD-accredited medical cannabis training programme and supports clinicians to deliver consistent, evidence-based care across a wide range of conditions.

Clinicians are encouraged to use the handbook alongside two key MCCS resources:

Together, these resources provide a unified framework for safe, consistent prescribing across the UK.

Part of a growing series

A second publication in this series is already being developed: Medical Cannabis Flower (Flos), minor cannabinoids and terpenes: Dosing and Guidance for Safe and Effective Treatment. This follow-on text will provide detailed protocols for prescribing inhaled cannabis products and is expected in the coming months.

Buy Medical Cannabis Oils: Dosing and Guidance for Safe and Effective Treatment in Adults and Children.

This key resource for all prescribers of medical cannabis in the UK is available to buy now:

MCCS members can access an exclusive discount code for the PDF edition via the Members’ Hub. Please note, this is a professional clinical reference and not a patient-facing guide. 

Hear from the editors in our upcoming webinar

A free webinar, hosted by the handbook’s editors Dr Evan Cole Lewis and Dr Rowan Thompson, is taking place on 15 January, 2026 at 7pm. The session will walk through how to use the new dosing guide in practice, covering titration strategies, start-low-go-slow principles, when to introduce THC, and how to apply the handbook’s clinical frameworks safely.

Sign up for the webinar here

Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 |  Time: 7:00pm (UK) | Register: Click to register now via Zoom

In this practical session, Dr Evan Cole Lewis and Dr Rowan Thompson, editors of the new MCCS dosing guide for medical cannabis oils, will walk through the key principles of safe, effective oil-based prescribing. The webinar introduces clinicians to the frameworks set out in Medical Cannabis Oils: Dosing and Guidance for Safe and Effective Treatment in Adults and Children, the first comprehensive guide to dosing and titrating medical cannabis oils in the UK.

Across this focused hour, attendees will explore evidence-informed protocols for oil initiation, titration, monitoring, follow-up, and when to introduce THC. The session is designed to support clinicians in applying consistent, structured approaches to prescribing medical cannabis oils in real-world settings.

Developed by clinicians for clinicians, the new dosing guidance brings clarity, safety and consistency to an area that has, until now, lacked unified standards. Dr Evan Lewis and Dr Rowan Thompson will explain why structured oil dosing matters, how the handbook was developed, and how prescribers can use the framework to strengthen decision-making and improve patient outcomes. A must-attend for clinicians seeking practical, reliable tools for safe, defensible oil-based prescribing.

What you will learn
Who should attend?

Open to all clinicians, including:

Register for Free
This 45-minute session will be followed by a 15-minute open Q&A with Dr Evan Lewis and Dr Rowan Thompson, giving attendees the opportunity to explore real-world dosing challenges, titration decisions, and safe prescribing practice in more depth.

Places are free but limited, so register now to secure your spot and learn how to apply structured, evidence-informed dosing guidance in your clinical work.

Congratulations to consultant psychiatrist Dr Luisa Searle, member of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society Expert Committee, who has been named Clinician of the Year at the 2025 Cannabis Industry Awards. The award was presented and sponsored by British Cannabis, recognising excellence, innovation, and compassion in clinical practice.

A member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists with more than 15 years’ experience, Dr Searle has worked across general adult psychiatry, substance misuse and complex dual-diagnosis care. Her clinical approach bridges conventional and emerging therapies, with special interest in medical cannabis, nutritional psychiatry and psychedelic-assisted treatments for resistant depression and substance-use disorders. Dr Searle’s earlier work as lead consultant for substance-misuse services in Westminster and for Camden & Islington’s under-18 and under-25 programmes helped shape outreach pathways for vulnerable and homeless populations.

Now consulting independently through Mind Balance and Cantourage, Dr Searle continues to champion a holistic, evidence-informed model of care that integrates empathy, patient empowerment, and novel treatment modalities.

On receiving her award, Dr Searle told attendees, “When you keep empathy at the heart of everything you do, you can always find a way to help your patients on their journey.”

As an Expert Committee member of the Society, Dr Searle supports new and experienced members alike, sharing her insights to help clinicians practise confidently and safely in this evolving field.

The Society’s Chair, Professor Mike Barnes, congratulated her on the win, noting that “Dr Searle is a superb example of what good clinical care looks like – kind, thoughtful and always guided by evidence. Her award is well deserved and reflects the best of our community.”

The MCCS is the UK’s independent, not-for-profit network for healthcare professionals working with or learning about medical cannabis. With over 500 members, the Society provides CPD-accredited training, clinical guidance, peer support, and advocacy to improve safe patient access across the UK and beyond.

If you’re a clinician interested in understanding or prescribing medical cannabis, join the independent network trusted by regulators and led by experts.

Dr Searle (left) with the other winners of the CI Awards 2025.

Dr Searle (left) with the other winners of the CI Awards 2025.

The APPG on Medical Cannabis under Prescription has released Recommendations for Government (November 2025) – a cross-party call to unlock the potential of the UK medical cannabis sector.

📓 Download the full APPG report (PDF)

Our paper, prepared by Professor Mike Barnes and experts from the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, sets out a clear route to unlock the potential of the UK medical cannabis sector. Seven years after legalisation, the industry remains held back by complex regulation and restrictive guidance, but this does not need to continue.

Medical cannabis is safe, effective and proven to transform lives for patients with conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. With the right policy framework, the UK can create a system that works for patients, clinicians and the economy.

Our recommendations are practical, evidence-based and designed to ensure that patients gain fair access while the UK builds a strong, ethical and competitive medical cannabis industry. It is time for the government to act on expert advice and deliver meaningful reform.

The key facts

Our cross-party recommendations

  1. Establish a central fund for existing children with drug-resistant epilepsy

    Ensure those already prescribed can continue treatment proven to reduce seizures. This funding would protect vulnerable patients and uphold the intent of the 2018 law change.

  2. Create a national approval system for new child epilepsy patients

    Establish a central approval system for prescribing cannabis-based medicines for children with drug-resistant epilepsy via an expert panel who would assess cases where at least three licensed treatments have failed, ensuring equitable access.

  3. Commission new NICE guidelines

    Recognise cannabis as a botanical, not a conventional pharmaceutical. Include real-world and observational data, not just randomised trials, and integrate international evidence.

  4. Ensure CQC awareness of the Good Practice Guidelines

    Ensure the CQC is aware of the Good Practice Guidelines produced by the MCCS when approving and inspecting cannabis clinics and compare practice against those guidelines.

  5. Commission a proper and thorough health-economic analysis

    Conduct a comprehensive study to measure savings from reduced drug use, hospital admissions, and care costs, alongside improved patient outcomes and productivity. Evidence suggests medical cannabis could save over £1,000 per patient each year, delivering major economic and health benefits.

  6. Enable electronic prescribing of controlled drugs in the private sector

    Extend the NHS electronic prescribing system to the private sector to reduce delays and strengthen security, improving safety and convenience for both patients and clinicians.

  7. Ease export restrictions for medical cannabis products

    Allow all EU-GMP-compliant UK cannabis producers to export their products to attract investment, create new revenue streams, strengthen the domestic industry, and secure the UK’s position as a global leader in medical cannabis.

  8. Review the medical cannabis sector in full

    Conduct an inter-departmental review involving the Home Office, MHRA, DHSC, and CQC to create clearer, more effective pathways developed in consultation with industry experts and clinicians.

Why it matters

Without urgent reform, we will continue to see patients suffer and the UK will lose a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a world-leading medical cannabis industry. We know that medical cannabis is already saving lives and reducing healthcare costs in other countries, and we know the evidence base supporting it is strong and growing.

We have seen first-hand the difference it makes. Our report includes the case of Alfie Dingley, whose NHS care costs fell by £130,000 a year after starting cannabis treatment. We believe no family should face financial hardship to access life-saving medicine, equality of access must be at the heart of government policy.

We also know the benefits reach far beyond patients. A regulated UK medical cannabis market could generate billions in annual revenue, drive export growth and create tens of thousands of skilled jobs across science, healthcare, agriculture, research, technology and logistics.

We have the expertise, the evidence and the infrastructure. Now, we need the political will to act.

Summary for policymakers and stakeholders

Our recommendations are  practical and grounded in evidence. We already have the framework for regulation, the medical expertise, and an industry ready to grow. What is missing is decisive government action.

We have worked together across parties and with experts from across the sector to create a clear, credible roadmap for a safe, ethical and economically powerful medical cannabis system in the UK. We know what needs to be done – now it is time for government to act.

If implemented, these measures would transform access for patients, restore confidence among prescribers and investors, and establish the UK as a leader in safe, regulated medical cannabis innovation.

Download the full report

Read the complete Recommendations for Government (November 2025) report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Medical Cannabis under Prescription.

📓 Download the full APPG report (PDF)