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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)

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 Award – Headline Sponsor: Curaleaf Laboratories & EastCann
Recognising individuals whose dedication is often overlooked but whose impact is lasting.

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

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

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

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

🤝 Customer Service Award – Sponsored 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.