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Date: Thursday 20 November 2025 |  Time: 7:00pm (UK) | Register: Click to register now via Zoom

In this practical session, Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS), will walk through the key principles of the Good Practice Guide for Prescribers of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBPMs) – the definitive framework for safe, ethical, and compliant prescribing in the UK.  In this webinar, explore the updated guidance, including best practice in consultations, peer review, prescribing protocols, and follow-up care.

Developed by clinicians for clinicians, the Guide brings clarity and consistency to an evolving field. Professor Barnes will explain why the framework matters, how it aligns with GMC and MHRA expectations, and how prescribers can apply it to strengthen clinical practice and protect patients.

A must-attend for clinicians and clinic managers who want to ensure they meet professional standards and deliver safe, defensible care.

What you will learn
Who should attend?

Open to all professionals working in or around medical cannabis prescribing, including:

Register for Free
This 45-minute session will be followed by a 15-minute open Q&A with Professor Barnes, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and discuss real-world applications of the Good Practice framework.

Places are free but limited – register now to secure your spot and join the conversation on raising standards in medical cannabis prescribing.

Prescribing medical cannabis in the UK is still a relatively new area of practice. While the clinical opportunities are growing, doctors entering this field face a unique set of risks and regulatory requirements. One of the most important – and often misunderstood – parts of working privately with cannabis medicines is making sure you have the right insurance in place.

In this article, we spoke to Richard Cupit, Head of Healthcare at PIB Insurance Brokers, who has pioneered the firm’s medical cannabis policy, to help prescribing clinicians ensure they have all bases covered. 

Why insurance is so important for medical cannabis prescribers

Unlike NHS doctors, who are automatically covered by the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST), medical cannabis prescribers usually work privately. This means they must arrange their own insurance cover.

The General Medical Council (GMC) states that if you are practising medicine privately in the UK, you must have “adequate and appropriate insurance or indemnity arrangements in place covering the full scope of your medical practice.” This applies even if you’re working within NHS premises but prescribing privately.

In practice, this means that doctors stepping into cannabis prescribing – often for the first time outside the NHS – need to think differently about their professional protection.

The majority of cannabis-based medicines prescribed in the UK are also unlicensed, meaning prescribers take full clinical responsibility for their use. Not having the right insurance coverage in place could prevent you from practicing and could even jeopardise your career and have legal consequences. 

Common misconceptions about medical cannabis insurance

It’s not automatically included

Many assume that existing coverage extends to CBPM prescribing, but in many cases, insurance providers still have exclusionary policies in place when it comes to cannabis.  

Digital and international prescribing

Many insurers now offer worldwide and digital health options, which are crucial for prescribers seeing patients online or outside the UK. 

Types of insurance for medical cannabis prescribers 

How it works: your prescriber insurance checklist 

Getting the right insurance as a medical cannabis prescriber can seem like a bit of a minefield, but it doesn’t need to be.

Choose a broker that is familiar with the sector, such as PiB Insurance. Richard and the PiB team work closely with the Society, bringing extensive knowledge and experience in the unique considerations in this field of medicine. 

This includes whether you prescribe remotely, internationally, or face-to-face. 

It’s important to thoroughly review the policy details and be aware of any exclusions that could affect your protection. This includes which treatments and activities are included, as well as any territorial or financial limits. 

Clinicians should ensure they have the right coverage and any necessary add-ons, such as worldwide cover, digital health, or run-off protection, if they plan to stop prescribing in the future.

Regulations and attitudes are evolving quickly in the medical cannabis sector, and clinicians should ensure they stay up to speed and keep careful records of their practice for future reference. 

The role of PIB and MCCS

The Society works closely with PIB Insurance Brokers to arrange competitive, comprehensive policies for UK clinicians prescribing medical cannabis, because they understand the complex challenges clinicians face in this emerging field of medicine.

Richard has been working with the Society since 2021 and is passionate about supporting prescribers and helping patients access these treatments. Richard and the team not only work with individual prescribers, but clinics, importers, cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, management consultants, and tech providers in the sector. 

PIB has developed tailored malpractice solutions that reflect the realities of prescribing cannabis medicines, offering doctors peace of mind with protection against both traditional liabilities and new, emerging risks.

To arrange a policy, please contact Richard Cupit, Head of Healthcare at PIB, on 07935 709160 or [email protected]. You can find out more about PIB Insurance Brokers on their website. 

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) has partnered with Cannabis Health Partners to bring the first educational event for healthcare professionals to the UK later this year in November.

The Cannabis Health Symposium, taking place at Conway Hall, London, on Tuesday 25 November 2025, will welcome some of the UK’s most experienced clinicians in cannabis-based medicines (CBPMs). The full-day programme brings together doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and healthcare professionals to explore the science, evidence, and practice of prescribing cannabis-based medicines safely and confidently.

A milestone for clinician education

Seven years on from the legalisation of medical cannabis in the UK, around 160 specialist consultants are now prescribing CBPMs, mainly through private clinics. However, there are still no formal training requirements or established clinical frameworks for new prescribers — a gap the MCCS has worked to address through its Good Practice Guidelines, peer support network, and education programme.

At this year’s Symposium, the MCCS will lead a dedicated stream of educational sessions and workshops aimed at helping clinicians build confidence, develop their knowledge, and navigate the practical realities of prescribing in this evolving field.

Opening the day, Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, will deliver a keynote presentation, Building Prescriber Confidence: Best Practice, Training and Governance, highlighting the need for clear standards and peer learning.

“Clinicians need to meet face-to-face to learn from each other, listen to experts and gain confidence in their practice,” said Professor Barnes. “Clinician education is vital in this sector where there is so much to learn and frankly so many prejudices to overcome. I know this will be a significant step forward for clinicians and thus eventually benefit many thousands of people with long term disabling conditions.”

Expert insights from the MCCS

Alongside other leading experts from across the sector, speakers from the MCCS Executive Committee, including Professor Mike Barnes, Dr Dani Gordon, Dr Rowan Thompson, Dr Niraj Singh, and Zul Mamon, will appear on the main stage throughout the day.

Together, they will provide a broad overview of key clinical and ethical themes, from governance and patient safety to the growing evidence base across specialities such as psychiatry, women’s health, neurology, and pharmacy practice.

Delegates will gain an understanding of:

  • The current state of medical cannabis prescribing in the UK
  • The principles of good clinical governance and peer review
  • The latest research and clinical experience in pain, psychiatry, and women’s health
  • The role of pharmacists in ensuring safe access and dispensing

Practical workshops for prescribers and clinicians

Running alongside the main stage sessions, the MCCS will host two interactive workshops designed to give attendees hands-on guidance in working as a prescriber or clinician in this space.

Workshop 1, 10:30am – How to Start Prescribing Medical Cannabis

This practical session will guide new and aspiring prescribers through the steps involved in setting up and practising as a cannabis clinician. Led by members of the MCCS expert committee, Dr Jennifer Forbes and Dr Rob Forbes, and joined by Richard Cupit from PIB Insurance Brokers, the session will initiating treatment, follow up and shared care, training, insurance and indemnity, and how the Society supports clinicians through membership and peer mentoring.

Workshop 2, 2:10pm – Medical Cannabis Prescribing & Dosing Guidelines

Presented by Dr Rowan Thompson, this session will offer an in-depth look at dosing and prescribing frameworks, titration principles, and formulation choice. Closely linked to the forthcoming MCCS Medical Cannabis Oils Dosing Guide, due for publication later this year, the workshop will introduce the key principles behind the new guidance and explain how it supports safe, evidence-based decision-making in practice.

Attendees will explore case-based examples and gain practical clarity on how to apply structured, evidence-informed dosing approaches in daily clinical settings, helping prescribers achieve consistent and patient-centred outcomes.

Raising standards through collaboration

The Cannabis Health Symposium aims to create an open and collaborative environment for healthcare professionals to engage, share knowledge, and learn from one another. Attendees will benefit from practical, evidence-based discussions and gain access to the latest educational tools and guidance from the MCCS.

For the Society, the event represents another important step in raising clinical standards, improving access, and supporting a growing community of clinicians across the UK.

MCCS Members can access free tickets via a unique code shared in the Member’s Hub, with all tickets available from www.cannabishealthsymposium.co.uk/tickets.

 

 

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is proud to co-host the Cannabis Industry Awards 2025, alongside the Cannabis Industry Council and Drug Science.

Presented by headline sponsors Curaleaf Laboratories and EastCann, the awards celebrate the individuals driving progress in the UK’s cannabis sector.

The awards dinner takes place on Thursday 6 November 2025 at the Honourable Artillery Company, London. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, entertainment, the awards ceremony, and an after-party – bringing together 150 leaders from across the medical cannabis community.

Recognising Individual Achievements

The Cannabis Industry Awards are unique in focusing entirely on the individuals whose work has helped move the UK cannabis sector forward. Rather than spotlighting companies, these awards celebrate the people whose skill, leadership, and commitment have made a measurable difference to patients, peers, and the wider industry.

Each of the six award categories reflects the diverse ways people contribute to progress. From those working tirelessly behind the scenes to clinicians delivering exceptional patient care, advocates raising awareness, and researchers building the evidence base – the awards shine a light on all areas of achievement.

🏆 Unsung Hero AwardHeadline Sponsor: Curaleaf Laboratories & EastCann
Recognising individuals whose dedication is often overlooked but whose impact is lasting.

🌿 Social Impact AwardSponsored by Hilltop Leaf
Celebrating those making a tangible difference to patients, families, and communities.

🔬 Contribution to Science AwardSponsored by Aurora
Honouring groundbreaking research and innovation that advances clinical understanding.

🌱 Green AwardSponsored by Muzo
Recognising leadership in environmental sustainability and responsible practice within the cannabis field.

🩺 Clinician of the Year AwardSponsored by British Cannabis
Celebrating healthcare professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, compassion, and excellence in clinical practice.

🤝 Customer Service AwardSponsored by PIB Insurance Brokers
Acknowledging individuals who go above and beyond in their daily interactions with patients and customers.

Winners will be announced at the awards dinner.

The Judging Panel

Book Your Tickets

Join us in London for a night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration. Tickets are available now via Eventbrite: £125 + VAT per seat or £1,750 + VAT for a table of 10.

Book Your Tickets Now

Please note the dress code is smart (suits and dresses, not black tie). Vaping is not permitted inside the venue.

 

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) is pleased to announce the publication of the updated edition of the Good Practice Guide for Prescribers of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs), an essential resource for clinicians working in this fast-evolving field.

Since CBMPs were legalised for prescription in the UK in November 2018, more than 75,000 patients have received treatment, supported by around 160 prescribers across 40 private clinics. Despite this growing demand, NHS prescribing remains extremely limited, and clinicians face a lack of consistent training, standards, and support.

In response, the Society has revised and expanded its flagship Good Practice Guide to offer a clearer, more detailed framework for safe, lawful and patient-centred prescribing. The updated guide is part of MCCS’s broader mission to raise standards across the sector and safeguard both patients and practitioners.

What’s inside?

This updated guide reflects the latest developments in clinical practice, prescribing patterns, and regulatory expectations. It includes detailed guidance on:

Who should use this guide?

While developed with specialist cannabis clinics in mind, the guide is relevant across all settings where CBMPs may be prescribed or supported. That includes:

Access the Guide

The Good Practice Guide for Prescribers of CBMPs is available now for all.

If you’re not yet a member, join today to access our growing library of practical tools, prescribing guidance, training, and peer support.

👉 Download the Good Practice Guide

👉 Find out more and join the Society

“Prescribing cannabis-based medicinal products requires careful clinical judgment, a strong understanding of the evidence, and a clear grasp of professional responsibilities. This guide provides the structure and support clinicians need to practise safely, lawfully and in the best interests of their patients.”
— Professor Mike Barnes, Chair, Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society

With increasing numbers of patients using legally prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs), clinicians in the NHS, hospices, care homes and private hospitals are facing a practical challenge: how to safely, lawfully, and confidently manage these medicines during admission, surgery, and inpatient care.

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has published a new guide – Managing Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products in UK Hospitals and Care Settings – written for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, anaesthetists, surgeons and care providers across secondary and palliative care.

🔽 Download the guide now:
Managing Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products in UK Hospitals and Care Settings

Download PDF

This post offers a summary of the key points and provides an overview of what clinicians need to know, from legal responsibilities to patient rights and perioperative management. It’s designed to support anyone searching for CBPM hospital policy, medical cannabis prescriptions during hospital or hospice admissions, or simply how to stay compliant when managing medical cannabis in hospital settings.

For full details, practical checklists, and best practice examples, download the guide.

What is a CBPM?

Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) are medicines derived from cannabis that are prescribed for specific medical conditions. In the UK, they are legal only under very specific conditions. CBPMs are:

Understanding what qualifies as a CBPM is essential for any clinician looking to implement a safe and lawful CBPM hospital policy.

Legal Rights of Patients Using CBPMs in Hospital

According to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, patients with capacity have the right to make decisions about their treatment, including continuing prescribed CBPMs while in hospital.

Clinicians must not withdraw or alter CBPM treatment without informed consent, and must support continuity of care unless safety concerns are present.

The Equality Act 2010 also applies: refusing a patient access to their legal medication could be considered discriminatory if it disadvantages them due to disability. Whether you’re drafting protocols or providing direct care, it’s crucial to know how to manage CBPMs in hospital in line with these legal duties.

Key Actions for Clinicians

The MCCS guide outlines a clear process for managing medical cannabis in hospital. Clinicians should:

Ask Directly on Admission

“Are you currently taking any cannabis-based products prescribed for medical use?”

Patients may use CBPMs such as oils, sprays or vapourisers for conditions including chronic pain, epilepsy, spasticity, anxiety or palliative symptoms.

Verify Legality and Documentation
Record Clearly and Notify the Team

These steps are essential to align with hospital governance, CD handling rules, and best practice CBPM hospital policy.

Managing Patient-Owned CBPMs on the Ward

Because CBPMs are Schedule 2 controlled drugs, they must be handled with the same procedures as other CDs.

Key points include:

Hospitals should not force patients into unsafe environments (e.g., smoking shelters) to take their prescribed treatment. These are all vital considerations for hospitals updating or implementing a formal medical cannabis prescription hospital framework.

Clinical Considerations: Perioperative, Safety and Interactions

The MCCS guide includes detailed clinical considerations around CBPM surgery guidance, such as:

If you’re involved in perioperative care or writing hospital protocols for anaesthesia and sedation, understanding how to manage CBPMs in hospital is a clinical safety issue, not just a legal one.

Download the guide

Managing Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBPMs) in UK Hospitals and Care Settings

There’s much more in the full document.

🔽 Download the guide now:
Managing Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products in UK Hospitals and Care Settings

Download PDF

Whether you’re building a CBPM hospital policy, managing admissions, working directly with a patient with a cannabis prescription, or supporting a patient through surgery, this guide is your go-to reference.

Looking for more support?

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is the UK’s leading independent network for healthcare professionals supporting the use of cannabis-based medicinal products and prescriptions.

Join today and get:

Annual membership starts at £60.

👉 Become a Member Now

Together, we’re raising standards and supporting clinicians to deliver safe, lawful and effective care for patients using medical cannabis in UK hospitals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can patients bring medical cannabis into hospital?
Yes, if prescribed. Patients should bring their CBPM in the original packaging with prescription details.

Can hospital staff administer or manage these medicines?
Yes, as with any other controlled drug, under appropriate documentation and procedures.

Where should CBPMs be stored?
In the controlled drugs cabinet, unless the patient has an approved self-administration plan.

Can patients vape cannabis in hospital?
If prescribed and appropriate, patients may use vapourised CBPMs, but not smoke cannabis, in a private or designated space per local policy.

Can I alter the patient’s treatment plan?
No, not without informed consent. Patients with capacity have the right to continue their prescribed CBPMs, and this must be respected.

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has published its first dedicated guidance for pharmacy professionals involved in dispensing cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) in the UK.

Written by pharmacist and Executive Committee member Zul Mamon, the guidance supports pharmacists in navigating the legal, regulatory and practical requirements of dispensing CBPMs safely and lawfully.

“Pharmacists are central to the safe and effective use of medical cannabis. With CBPMs becoming more widely prescribed in the private sector, pharmacists must have a clear understanding of legal responsibilities, product types, and patient safety considerations. This guidance aims to provide practical, accessible support that empowers pharmacists to deliver high-quality care.”

Developed in response to the growing number of pharmacists supporting CBPM dispensing, the guidance ensures members have the clarity and confidence needed to meet their professional obligations.

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.

Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the Society, welcomed the publication as a step forward for pharmacy engagement in the sector:

“Pharmacists have a vital role in patient safety and education. As the use of medical cannabis expands in the UK, we must ensure all healthcare professionals—especially those dispensing the medicine—have access to robust, evidence-based guidance. This publication is an important milestone in our mission to support a safe, competent, and informed workforce.”

The guidance is available now to MCCS members. It will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect changes in policy and practice.

Join the Society to Access the Guidance and More

Pharmacists interested in this area of practice are encouraged to join the Society to receive the guidance, access expert-led training and mentoring, and be part of the UK’s only independent network of medical cannabis professionals.

As the Society develops further pharmacist-focused resources and events, members will benefit from tailored support and up-to-date information to strengthen their practice and support patient care.

Join today for £60 per year.

 

 

To all members of the Society, our Supporters and friends,

It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our Society Director and Co-Founder, Hannah Deacon, passed away on Tuesday 6 May, surrounded by those who loved her, after a short and brutal illness. She was just 45.

 

This devastating loss to Hannah’s beloved partner Drew, and children Alfie and Annie, is impossible to put into words.

 

Hannah was remarkable: determined, tenacious, and fiercely compassionate. Her fight to find treatment for her son Alfie’s rare and severe epilepsy led to a breakthrough that changed his life and ultimately changed the law. She went on to transform the lives of thousands of patients and families, never stopping in her work to push for better access, better care, and a better understanding of medical cannabis.

 

More than anything, Hannah’s most proud and important role was being a mum. Alfie and Annie were her world. She adored them. Everything she fought for came from her enduring love for them and wish to make the world kinder and fairer.

 

Hannah was our brave, beautiful partner, daughter, sister, and friend. She made us laugh, made us think, and made us feel stronger just by being there. All of us are better for knowing her.  We only wish we could have had more time.

 

We will share more in the days ahead to honour Hannah’s life, her work, and the legacy she leaves behind. We want to reassure you that the Society will continue, just as Hannah wanted. 

Since the legalisation of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) in the UK in November 2018, around 40,000 patients have received these treatments, with numbers steadily increasing. There are currently 40 clinics and about 140 prescribers operating within the private sector.

However, the adoption of these medicines within the NHS has been slow, and there are no compulsory training requirements for prescribers. This has led to significant variations in clinical practice.

To address these challenges, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) has developed a Good Practice Guide. This guide aims to support prescribers and ensure patients can safely access these valuable medicines. While it is tailored primarily for clinics that focus on prescribing cannabis, the fundamental principles are relevant to a broader range of medical settings.

The MCCS hopes this guide will be adopted widely, pleading to practices that benefit patients and improve the overall quality of the medical cannabis industry.  This effort highlights our dedication to raising standards and supporting prescribers with practical, applicable guidelines and support.

Download the Good Practice Guide >>>

 

You can access all our public publications – including this recently published Good Practice Guide – on our website.

Not yet a member? Join the Society.

The UKMCCS Annual General Meeting (AGM) is around the corner, and we’re looking forward to bringing members together to review our achievements and discuss future developments. Members are invited to join us on 7 November, from 2 PM to 4 PM to take part.

Members have two ways to attend:

  1. In-Person – We have 20 spaces available at our London venue, so secure your place soon by emailing [email protected].
  2. Online via Teams – For those preferring virtual attendance, we’ll be streaming the AGM live. Email us at the same address for the Teams link.

For members who can’t attend, minutes will be shared afterward to keep everyone informed.

AGM Details

📆 Date: 7 November
🕑 Time: 2 PM to 4 PM
📍 Location: Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3HE

To register, please email [email protected]. We look forward to your participation in making this a successful AGM.