We are pleased to introduce Ariyan Makhecha, the Society’s most recent medical student to complete the MCCS Medical Cannabis Student Elective.
Ariyan joined us for week placement, taking part in clinical observation, industry visits, structured teaching, and international events, gaining a rare insight into one of the fastest-developing areas of medicine.
As part of the programme, Ariyan has written a reflective blog about his experience, which you can read below. Applications for 2026 are now open. If you’re a medical student interested in taking part in next year’s MCCS Medical Cannabis Elective, you can find full details and application information here. We welcome early enquiries and encourage students from all backgrounds to explore this unique learning opportunity.
My elective placement with the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society provided me with an outstanding opportunity to study one of the most dynamic and evolving fields of medicine. At the very beginning, I received structured teaching on the endocannabinoid system and its clinical importance, as well as an overview of ethical and legal framework associated with the prescription of medical cannabis. This provided me with a good knowledge base to make the most of the rest of the placement.
I attended remote consultations where I had the opportunity to view various clinics, such as pain management consultations, psychiatric consultations, and follow-ups and new patient visits. Learning about the practical uses of medical cannabis in treating numerous diseases and the medical practitioners developing tailored treatment plans, demonstrated the potential of cannabis-based medicines as a treatment approach and the importance of safe and evidence-based prescribing.
I also had the chance to visit pharmaceutical facilities located all around the United Kingdom, and that is where I learnt a lot about how medical cannabis is grown, processed, and distributed. The importance of quality control, standardisation and regulatory compliance in ensuring that patients obtain safe and reliable therapies was emphasised throughout my time at these sites.
Networking was yet another invaluable part of this elective. I had the opportunity to meet with import and export companies specialists, pharmaceutical representatives, and medical specialists, who gave great information and individual perspectives on the interdisciplinary nature of the medical cannabis industry. The ability to network with such a diverse range of professionals helped me recognise how important it is foe industry leaders, research, politics, and medical experts to collaborate with each other to enhance patient care.
The most memorable experience of the elective experience was attending two international conferences, Mary Jane and the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) in Berlin. ICBC gave me the chance to meet professionals, leaders in the sectors of agriculture, genetics, lighting, fertilizers, curing, drying, sterilisation and packaging from all over the world. I was able to gain a lot of through specialised seminars delivered by industry experts. One talk which stood out to me was one that discussed the impact of plant irradiation on terpene profiles.
I chose to explore further through wider academic reading which memebers of the MCCS supported me through and hence I was able to better understand the usefulness of terpenes in relation to cannabinoids, exploring potential combinations between them and the rationale behind different patient/professional attitudes toward the two. Along with broadening my clinical knowledge on cannabis, this elective allowed me to understand better the significance of ethical practice, and the global implications of medical cannabis.
I also learned its role in illnesses such as epilepsy and chronic pain and the risks, precautions and monitoring necessary to prescribe it safely. Taking the time to understand how perspectives and legislation are changing across nations in Europe, the Americas, and South East Asia, also provided me with further insight as to the history and the global policy landscape regarding medical cannabis and its future.
I would describe my experience with the MCCS as nothing short of incredible. It gave me the chance to learn through clinical observation, research, and exposure to the industry as well as international networking all in a single placement.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the MCCS elective to anyone who wants to learn more about medical cannabis as this placement provides a unique opportunity to gain exposure to an industry that is shaping the future of medical therapies whilst also being a priceless learning experience.
Ariyan Makhecha, MCCS Student elective 2024/25
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has joined forces with Curaleaf Laboratories to help further its mission to empower clinicians with credible education on cannabis-based medicine.
We caught up with the Curaleaf team to find out more about why education is so central to its work in the sector.
Originally founded as Rokshaw Laboratories by brothers Jonathan and Richard Hodgson in 2012, Curaleaf Laboratories has now been manufacturing ‘specials’ or unlicensed medicines for more than a decade.
Following the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, the company shifted its focus towards cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs), becoming one of the most established manufacturers in the UK.
It went on to be acquired by EMMAC Life Sciences, later becoming Curaleaf International, and in 2024, the medical cannabis division of Rokshaw was rebranded as Curaleaf Laboratories to align with the broader brand across the UK.
“A lot of the staff who have been involved since the original specials and unlicensed medicines route are still here, which gives us an advantage from a quality and a regulatory perspective,” says Jonathan Hodgson, now UK Managing Director of Curaleaf International.
“We’ve helped patients and clinicians alike address unmet clinical needs through unlicensed medicines for a long time. While the adoption of medical cannabis is only in its infancy, we want to help widen access to this option. Through our previous experience with other unlicensed medicines, we are in the privileged position to be ready to help the hundreds of thousands of patients who will access these medicines over the coming years.”
Through years of educating a range of clinicians on unlicensed medicines, Curaleaf Laboratories has seen how healthcare professionals are often unfamiliar or sceptical of these therapies. And nowhere is education more important than in the complex landscape of cannabis-based medicines.
While much of the focus of the medical cannabis sector is on driving patient demand, clinician education remains central to Curaleaf’s strategy, recognising that doctors play an important role in ensuring medical cannabis is prescribed to the right patients, at the right dose, and at the right time. It believes that by presenting balanced evidence to professionals, wider patient access and public awareness will follow.
The team regularly attends educational events around the country, often at leading medical institutions such as the British Pain Society, enabling them to engage with doctors directly. But many are still unaware that cannabis-based medicines are legal to prescribe.
“Providing education has always been hugely important to us,” says Hodgson.
“In order for us as a medical community to adequately support patients, it is important that healthcare professionals (HCPs) are able to access much-needed education on cannabis-based medicines so they can help their patients through guiding access or prescribing directly.”
Curaleaf Laboratories’ outreach work also involves engaging with private providers to expand access, including those not currently prescribing CBPMs, such as clinics specialising in chronic conditions.
It delivers workshops, in-practice support, and bespoke educational content. Its in-house programme supports clinics and prescribers with training and practical steps such as Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration updates, insurance, dosing and formulary advice, and prescription pad support for those who are new to private prescribing and unlicensed medicines.
Curaleaf Laboratories hopes to build on this work in partnership with the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS).
To help tackle both practical and perceptual barriers to prescribing, Curaleaf Laboratories will support the MCCS to deliver its existing clinician education programmes and become the central source of information for UK prescribers as we move forward.
“Our partnership with MCCS solidifies our commitment to providing further education to prescribers and the wider HCP network in the UK,” Hodgson adds.
“We have already made big waves in HCP education, and we look forward to further improving our programme with the help of the expertise of the MCCS.”
Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the MCCS, commented: “The Society is very grateful to have the support of Curaleaf Laboratories. We believe the shared values and vision of the team will enable us to continue our work empowering professionals with evidence-based CPD-accredited cannabis education, and we look forward to working together with the ultimate goal of enabling more patients to benefit from these therapies.”
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is grateful for the continued support from our industry partners, which enables us to achieve our objectives. Any organisations interested in collaborating are encouraged to reach out and explore how we can work together.
At the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, we give UK doctors the tools, guidance, and peer support to prescribe medical cannabis confidently and safely. One of the most common – and most important – questions we hear from new and existing prescribers is: How do I get the right medical cannabis insurance?
The answer is simple: you need insurance coverage that specifically covers your medical cannabis prescribing.
In the UK, medicinal cannabis products (CBMPs) can currently only be prescribed privately, apart from limited NHS use for licensed products such as Sativex and Epidyolex. This means your NHS indemnity does not cover you for most medical cannabis treatment.
The GMC requires all doctors to have adequate and appropriate insurance or indemnity arrangements covering the full scope of your practice. In reality, this means arranging a policy that includes indemnity insurance for doctors prescribing cannabis-based treatments. If your policy doesn’t explicitly list prescribing medical cannabis, you may not be protected for a claim.
Because most CBMPs are an unlicensed medicine, prescribers take full clinical responsibility for their use. Without the right insurance coverage in place, you risk being uninsured – something that could halt your treatment work immediately, affecting your patients. Being uninsured could jeopardise your career and leave you unable to practise. A lack of insurance could also impact your income if you are unable to work due to legal or regulatory issues.
Medical cannabis is an emerging and rapidly expanding field in the UK, with more healthcare professionals now prescribing cannabis-based products to help manage a range of health conditions. As this area of medicine grows, it’s increasingly important for clinicians to have robust medical indemnity insurance in place. Medical indemnity provides comprehensive cover for healthcare professionals, especially those working in private practice, by protecting them against medical malpractice claims that may arise from their clinical work.
With more patients seeking medical cannabis treatments, having the right indemnity cover not only safeguards your practice but also supports your ability to deliver high-quality care with confidence. In this evolving landscape, understanding the importance of insurance cover is essential for all medical professionals involved in prescribing medical cannabis in the UK.
Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, says:
“Apart from two specific medications, Sativex and Epidyolex, medical cannabis is classed as an unlicensed medicine. Doctors prescribing unlicensed products take full clinical responsibility and may not be covered by standard indemnity insurance. Medical cannabis is a safe treatment with often significant benefits and few side effects. Clinicians can be reassured that if they prescribe within the legal parameters, they are very safe – although they still need insurance cover.”
To make this simple, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has partnered with PIB Insurance Brokers – a leading provider of specialist healthcare cover – to arrange competitive, comprehensive policies for UK clinicians prescribing medical cannabis. It’s part of our commitment to removing barriers so clinicians can start or continue this treatment with confidence.
With this partnership, you can access:
PIB Insurance Brokers provide insurance solutions for UK doctors prescribing medical cannabis treatments.
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.
When choosing a medical indemnity insurance policy, it’s vital for medical cannabis clinicians to thoroughly review the policy details and be aware of any exclusions that could affect their protection.
Key aspects to consider include the scope of coverage, such as which treatments and activities are included, as well as any territorial or financial limits. Exclusions may relate to previous indemnity cover, disciplinary matters, or ongoing GMC investigations, which could leave gaps in your protection.
For medical cannabis clinicians in the UK, regulatory compliance is a fundamental part of safe and effective practice. The General Medical Council (GMC) requires all doctors to have adequate indemnity cover in place, and both NHS and private healthcare organisations may set additional standards for medical indemnity insurance. Healthcare professionals must stay informed about these requirements to ensure their insurance arrangements meet the necessary standards and protect them from potential risks.
Failing to comply with regulatory expectations can lead to significant challenges, including professional or legal consequences. By keeping up-to-date with the latest guidance and ensuring their insurance cover aligns with current regulations, medical professionals can focus on delivering the best possible care to their patients while safeguarding their own business and reputation.
Medical cannabis clinicians have access to several types of insurance designed to protect both their professional and business interests. The most critical is medical indemnity insurance, which specifically covers healthcare professionals against medical malpractice claims related to patient care.
In addition, professional liability insurance offers broader protection for errors or omissions in the delivery of professional services, while business insurance addresses risks associated with running a medical cannabis practice, such as safeguarding premises and equipment.
Each type of cover plays a vital role in ensuring that clinicians are protected from different aspects of risk. It’s essential for medical professionals to assess their practice needs and select the right combination of indemnity cover and business insurance to ensure they are fully protected in all areas of their work.
As the medical cannabis sector continues to grow in the UK, the need for tailored medical indemnity insurance will only increase. The future of medical cannabis insurance will be shaped by the evolving risks and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in this field, including the need for comprehensive cover against clinical negligence, legal defence, and business-related risks.
With the right insurance in place, medical cannabis clinicians can focus on their practice, confident that they are protected against the risks that may arise, and contribute to the continued growth and credibility of the profession in the UK.
Insurance for prescribing medical cannabis is an essential safeguard for you, your patients, and your professional reputation. Another safeguard is membership of the Society.
With MCCS membership, you get:
MCCS membership also ensures ongoing protection, including run-off cover for those entering retirement.
If you’re prescribing, or planning to prescribe, you need MCCS membership.
Join the MCCS now and get protected.
Q: Do clinicians need separate cover to prescribe CBMPs?
A: Yes. Private prescribing is not covered by NHS indemnity. Arrange indemnity insurance for doctors that explicitly includes prescribing medical cannabis.
Q: What should doctors check first with existing insurers?
A: Ask if medical cannabis is included in your insurance coverage. Get written confirmation that your prescription activity for unlicensed medicine is covered, or arrange a specialist policy.
Q: Is a medical cannabis prescription treated differently from other private prescriptions?
A: Yes. Most CBMPs are unlicensed. Adequate insurance cover is required before issuing a prescription.
Q: How can clinicians be sure their cover is valid for medical cannabis?
A: Join MCCS and use PIB Insurance Brokers. You’ll get tailored indemnity insurance for doctors prescribing medical cannabis in the UK, with explicit coverage stated.