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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. 
Update: April 2026 – Read Hannah’s Story and legacy

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.

Together with the Cannabis Industry Council and Drug Science, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is pleased to announce the first-ever Cannabis Industry Awards. 

The event is being held during Medical Cannabis Awareness Week, making it a fitting occasion to celebrate excellence in the UK cannabis sector.

The Cannabis Industry Awards is set to be a key event for the UK cannabis community. It will bring together professionals from across the industry, including CEOs, founders, doctors, scientists, and other leading figures. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, with entertainment provided by a comedian and table magicians. Following the dinner, there will be an after-party at a nearby venue, offering further opportunities to connect and celebrate.

About the Awards

The evening will feature two awards: the Social Impact Award and the Contribution to Science Award. These awards are designed to recognise individuals who have made notable contributions to the cannabis industry. 

Nominations are open from 2 September to 1 October, with a public vote from 4 to 25 October to decide the winners, reflecting the views and values of both industry insiders and the wider community.

Dr Leon Barron, Chair of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, said:

“The Cannabis Industry Awards Dinner is a chance for us to come together and celebrate the progress we’ve made in the UK cannabis sector, particularly in improving access for patients and supporting clinicians in prescribing since 2018. These awards recognise the hard work and dedication of individuals who are helping to shape the future of the industry in two key areas. I’m looking forward to what will undoubtedly be a memorable evening.”

Buy your tickets 

To purchase your tickets, visit the official Eventbrite page. 

Book Your Tickets

 

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

While the Contribution to Science Award has been sponsored by Gowling WLG, there is still an opportunity for an organisation to sponsor the Social Impact Award. This sponsorship offers a chance to show support for social responsibility within the cannabis industry.

For organisations interested in sponsoring the Social Impact Award, please contact Sam Cannon at [email protected] for more information.

As part of our commitment to keeping healthcare professionals at the forefront of medical cannabis knowledge, we are pleased to give you access to a detailed webinar and a new research paper by Dr. Stefan Broselid, Scientific Lead at the Medical Cannabis Clinicians’ Society.

Webinar Recording

This webinar explores the endocannabinoidome (eCBome) — an advanced version of the endocannabinoid system. This session, which took place on 11 June 2024, provides a comprehensive understanding of how this complex system affects various body processes and how you can target it effectively with cannabis-based treatments. Member’s can access this recording via the Member’s Area. 

Research Paper

Dr. Broselid’s linked paper, “The Endocannabinoidome: A Pivotal Physiological Regulator and Therapeutic Target – Implications for Medical Education and Personalized Medicine”, goes beyond theory to discuss practical implications for clinical practice, especially in prescribing and managing cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs).

Download the paper>>>

For more information, questions, or to discuss the content, please do not hesitate to get in touch wit the Society by emailing [email protected].

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is pleased to announce that the Primary Care Cannabis Network (PCCN) has become a part of our Society. This is an important step forward in our mission to normalise the conversation around medical cannabis and increase clinician knowledge of this treatment in the UK. We look forward to working together towards our shared goals.

Continuing and developing the work of the PCCN

The PCCN was set up in November 2019 by GP Dr Leon Barron to provide GP education in medical cannabis. Striving to increase knowledge and open dialogue, the PCCN worked to create an environment of balance and understanding around this rapidly developing field of medicine within primary healthcare. Its goals – to eradicate stigma associated with medical cannabis and improve the primary care sector’s comfort in discussing treatment options with patients – are aligned with the vision and mission of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society.

In order to better meet our joint goals, the Society has welcomed the PCCN and its members into the Society. By educating and supporting general practitioners (GPs) with current guidelines and evidence-based medicine, the Society can ensure that primary care providers have access to the most up to date resources to enable informed conversations with patients.

The integration of the PCCN with the Society will give every clinician the opportunity to be part of the biggest network of healthcare professionals dedicated to expanding access to medical cannabis treatment through education and support.

The role of GPs in the widespread understanding of medical cannabis as a treatment option

As the frontline in patient access to specialist clinicians, GPs have a crucial role to play in the understanding and acceptance of medical cannabis as a treatment option for patients in the UK. 

Learn more

Why should GPs be open minded about talking to patients who are self medicating with cannabis in the UK?

GPs should be open minded about talking to patients who are self medicating with cannabis because it is becoming increasingly accepted in the UK as an effective means of treating various health conditions. 

Learn more

Can GPs prescribe medical cannabis in the UK?

Currently in the UK, prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis based medicines can only be initiated by a doctor on the GMC specialist register (consultants) and must be initiated on a private prescription. Unlike most other countries across the globe where medical cannabis is legal, current UK legislation does not permit GPs to initiate treatment for medical cannabis. However, GPs can play an important role in the management and monitoring of their patient’s use of medical cannabis, and a GP can prescribe under shared care arrangements under the direction of a specialist.

Learn more

Comprehensive education and support for GPs through the Society

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is an important resource for clinicians in regards to the education, peer support, and guidance related to medical cannabis use. Through the integration of the PCCN, a new sub group will be formed to provide GP focussed education and peer support.

All the resources from the PCCN will be available via the Society website. This includes access to evidence-based information and practical resources.

In addition, the Society will provide opportunities for GPs to network with peers and discuss the opportunities for GP prescribing of medical cannabis within a supportive environment.

PCCN Members – Join the Society today

Joining the Society provides GPs with access to training and resources from leading experts in the field. In addition, members can benefit from ongoing support and guidance on prescribing medical cannabis, as well as staying up to date with changing regulations. The Society also organises regular events for members to exchange ideas and discuss best practices in medical cannabis.

As members, GPs can ensure they are up to date with the latest evidence-based information in this field and help their patients access effective medical cannabis treatments.

Current members of the PCCN are invited to become members of the Society at no cost for the first year of membership.

Join now

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society’s Guide to CBD has been newly updated for 2021.

The expanded guidance supports doctors and clinicians who wish to understand how CBD works, what a good CBD product looks like, and how better to support patients who are taking CBD.

Version 2 of the guidance, written by the Society’s Dr Leon Barron, Vice-Chair Dr Dani Gordon and Chair, Prof Mike Barnes, has been supported by expert researchers at Bud & Tender.

Download the guide here.

On Thursday 21st October, join The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society and Bud & Tender as we explore what clinicians need to know about CBD. A fantastic live overview of the guide, this webinar will provide an overview of CBD for clinicians, including Endocannabinoid tone, modes of action and therapeutic effects, pharmacodynamics, different types of CBD oil available in the UK, controlled cannabinoids, Certificates of Analysis (COA’s) and dosing. We also summarise the current legal status of CBD in the UK.

BOOK NOW