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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.

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].

As clinicians committed to the advancement of medical cannabis treatment, staying at the forefront of patient care is a constant pursuit. The Society (MCCS) champions the integration of medical cannabis into patient management, advocating for evidence-based application.

For those members eager to expand their private practice with medical cannabis prescribing, Script Assist’s Find A Doctor service stands as a transformative resource designed to elevate your clinical practice.

Streamline Your Workflow & Improve Efficiency: Say goodbye to administrative headaches and inefficiencies. With Script Assist’s live inventory feature, you can easily manage product availability and streamline prescription updates in real-time. Our printable FP10s ensure accurate and efficient prescription management, minimizing errors and maximizing patient safety. Furthermore, our one-click re-prescribing feature simplifies monthly re-prescribing, ensuring efficient clinic workflows and patient satisfaction.

Empowering Patients and Enhancing Engagement: Empower your patients with the tools they need to take control of their healthcare journey. With Script Assist’s Patient App, patients can book appointments, attend telehealth consultations, and track prescriptions—all from the convenience of their smartphone. This not only improves patient satisfaction but also reduces the administrative burden on your practice.

Collaboration at Your Fingertips: Collaborative care is essential for providing comprehensive treatment plans. With Script Assist, you can access Multidisciplinary Team Reviews for any new or complex patients, to ensure alignment with GMC guidance. Not only that, but you can easily add medical secretaries, clinic admins, and other healthcare professionals to facilitate re-prescribing and streamline clinic operations.

Customise Your Experience to Suit You: At Script Assist, we understand that every practice and every doctor is unique. That’s why our platform is fully customisable, allowing you to tailor it to your practice’s specific needs. Whether you’re replacing existing software packages or integrating Script Assist seamlessly into your current workflow, we’ve got you covered.

Expand Your Reach & Maintain Control: As members of Script Assist’s Find A Doctor platform, you gain access to a vast network of patients seeking medical cannabis treatment. Expand your practice and engage with patients directly, all while maintaining complete control over your schedule and practice scale. With full visibility of patients prior to engagement, you can provide personalized care from the moment they walk through your door.

Taking the Next Step

The introduction of Find A Doctor goes beyond creating a directory for patients to find specialists; it offers specialists a chance to enhance their practice’s visibility and connect with patients seeking comprehensive care that includes medical cannabis. Joining signifies more than access to a streamlined portal; it’s about broadening your practice’s reach and affirming your dedication to patient-focused care.

By leveraging Script Assist’s Find A Doctor, you not only streamline your practice’s operations but also play a pivotal role in the progressive integration of medical cannabis into mainstream healthcare. It’s an invitation to join a community of forward-thinking clinicians who are shaping the future of patient care in the UK. Don’t wait to take your practice to the next level with Script Assist’s Find A Doctor — a step towards enhancing patient outcomes across the UK.

Speak to Script Assist today; [email protected]

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) is excited to support an essential event in the world of medical cannabis – the International Conference on the Science & Practice of Medical Cannabis (CT-Cann2024).

This prestigious conference is set to take place in London on the 29th and 30th of May, 2024, at the Hilton London Canary Wharf. Our endorsement of CT-Cann2024 highlights our commitment to advancing research and clinical practice in medical cannabis.

A landmark cannabis event

Last year’s conference was a landmark event, bringing together clinicians and experts for a rich dialogue on the latest developments in the field.

The Society is proud to have supported this vibrant forum, which made significant strides in medical cannabis discussions.

This year, the event has been renamed to International Conference on the Science & Practice of Medical Cannabis (CT-Cann2024) to reflect the growing scope of discussions around cannabis research and its practical applications in healthcare.

What’s in Store at CT-Cann2024

CT-Cann2024 is a forward-thinking platform for cannabinoid therapy advances. Led by co-chairs Prof. Dedi Meiri and Dr. Haggai Sharon, the event is set to showcase the most recent evidence and ideas in cannabinoid therapy.

The conference will bridge the latest scientific discoveries with clinical practices, providing insights into the effective use of cannabinoid-based treatments. It offers a unique chance for attendees to meet leading researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals from around the world, creating a space for the exchange of innovative ideas and practices.

Special Offer for MCCS Members

To show our appreciation for our members’ dedication to the field of medical cannabis, the MCCS is pleased to offer a special 15% discount on registration rates for CT-Cann2024.

This exclusive discount is our way of saying thank you to our members for their ongoing support and commitment.

Members who wish to take advantage of this offer should contact Rachel at [email protected] for more details and the discount code.

Join Us in London

As CT-Cann2024 draws near, we warmly invite our members and the broader community to join this significant event. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician, a researcher at the cutting edge of cannabis science, or an industry professional interested in the latest trends and applications, CT-Cann2024 promises to be an enlightening experience.

Let’s come together in London for CT-Cann2024, to be at the forefront of shaping the future of medical cannabis.

The UK medical cannabis market has, for the most part, largely been characterised by patients having to turn to medical cannabis clinics for their medical cannabis prescriptions. Launched in April 2023, Script Assist was established to let any specialist prescribe medical cannabis from any private setting, for the first time enabling independent doctors to efficiently enhance their own private practise.

Earlier this month Script Assist 2.0 was released, containing a host of new features to enable independent prescribers to prescribe medical cannabis from any private setting.

We caught up with Hannah Simon, Script Assist’s COO, to understand her views on how Script Assist 2.0 revolutionises the UK medical cannabis prescription market for private prescribers.

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us Hannah. Could you please start off by explaining what Script Assist is, and how you support independent private prescribers?

Script Assist is a free Web Portal for doctors and their secretaries, that alongside a Patient App, enables an easy, seamless experience for all parties.

Script Assist automates all compliance and administrative tasks, has a formulary with live inventory, includes access to a free MDT and medical cannabis products are dispensed to patients via the Patient App.

This means that any specialist in the UK can now effortlessly prescribe medical cannabis to their patients from their own private practise.

We are licensed by the Home Office, the MHRA and the GPhC to undertake each step of the distribution and dispensing journey in the UK, which is why we can offer such an integrated, seamless experience.

What has changed with Script Assist 2.0, why is it so revolutionary?

Script Assist 1.0 was focussed on the basics: for us that meant digitising the entire prescription process from initiation through to dispensing, whilst ensuring strict adherence to GMC guidance. The licensing and software engineering elements of Script Assist 1.0 took around three years, but the result was a step-change for independent prescribers in the UK.

When doctors started using Script Assist 1.0, we learned a huge amount about how we could make the experience even more seamless, and that by broadening the scope of the technology, we can make Script Assist 2.0 an even more powerful tool.

First, Script Assist 1.0 was a tool for doctors. Script Assist 2.0 is a tool for doctors, medical secretaries and whomever else supports the doctor in their practise and can be used totally flexibly reflecting however the practise operates today. Limiting & removing administrative tasks from the doctor’s plate is one of our North Stars at Script Assist!

Script Assist 2.0 also has a lot more features. For example, printable FP10s, one-click represcribing, optional booking and telehealth via the Patient App, more extensive PROM frameworks, a much broader research library, the ability for doctors to work across multiple sites, and lot, lot more.

You’ve explained a lot about the technology itself, and it seems like you’ve solved the technical problems, what other support do you offer independent prescribers?

Well, as you know we work closely with yourselves at the MCCS to provide doctors with all the support that they require. We have trained between ourselves over 100 doctors since our launch, and we have another 30 signed up to our November Psychiatry training.

We also offer a whole host of day-to-day support to all our doctors for free. As a licensed company, we take regulations pretty seriously and so we offer a lot of regulatory support to our doctors to help them understand the parameters within which they can prescribe – and we cover everything; from the CQC, to FP10 applications, to Insurance etc.

In addition, all new Script Assist doctors are offered a buddy, and we also use the MDT sessions to provide a range of additional support services to our clinicians. For example, a Script Assist enabled doctor can submit a patient to the MDT and simply ask for guidance on what and how to prescribe, if they so wish.

We also offer live technical support, and our Script Assist customer service agents can access your session live to help you with any problems or questions you may have.

What does a private prescriber need to start prescribing medical cannabis from their private practise?

An independent prescriber must also work part-time in a clinic covered by the CQC (this can be as simple as being employed by the NHS).

They require a pink FP10 pad for Controlled Drugs prescribing (I have helped almost 100 doctors submit FP10 applications over the years and am more than happy to help anyone through this process!) and must add medical cannabis prescribing onto their medical indemnity insurance (again, I can help with this!). Other that that they need a DBS certificate, a GMC number and a passport or driver’s license!

Finally, a Script Assist account would make their lives a whole lot easier!

Does the CQC not need to be notified if an independent prescriber starts prescribing?

Independent doctors with practising privileges can prescribe medical cannabis in their private practice the same way as they prescribe any other medicine today. So in short the answer to this question is no. The CQC only need to be notified if a clinic/ hospital that is already covered by the CQC want to advertise medical cannabis prescribing as a service offering.

Can Script Assist help independent prescribers grow the number of patients in their practise?

In January we will be launching our Find a Doctor functionality. This means that on the Script Assist website patients will be able to view a directory of Script Assist enabled doctors, alongside the conditions for which they prescribe, their consultation rates, insurers (if patients have private medical insurance then consultations are covered as any other consultation would be) and other key information.

Patients will then be able to submit their profile and medical records (soon available digitally on Script Assist) to a clinician and request an initial consultation. We will be having a pretty extensive patient launch, it’s all rather exciting!

Thanks to Hannah Simon for taking the time to speak to us. We wish her and Script Assist well with the release of Script Assist 2.0 and their mission to empower independent prescribers in the UK.

 

We are pleased to share the details of a new training opportunity brought to you by ScriptAssist, a dedicated supporter of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS).

ScriptAssist and MCCS share a common goal of broadening access to medical cannabis treatments through education and straightforward prescribing. ScriptAssist, in collaboration with MCCS, is presenting a series of invaluable training sessions for specialist consultants keen to enhance their knowledge and skills in cannabis medicine.

Training Sessions: What to Expect

The training days are structured into three comprehensive sessions, each lasting three hours. They are designed to offer a deep dive into specific healthcare disciplines of psychiatry, neurology and pain.

Each session begins with an in-depth overview of cannabis as a treatment, including an exploration of its varied uses, potential contraindications, side effects, and the different delivery routes available, presented by MCCS Chair, Dr. Leon Barron.

Following that, Dr. Mark Smith, ScriptAssist’s Clinical Advisor, will present indication-specific case studies alongside guest presenters. Each case study offers real-world insights into the use of medical cannabis in treatment, providing invaluable context and deepening understanding.

To conclude the session, attendees will gain practical insights on how to apply all the knowledge gained in a real-life, private practice setting. Arjun Rajyagor, Founder and CTO of ScriptAssist, using the ScriptAssist platform as a tool, will demonstrate the journey from learning to application, showcasing the seamless integration of the platform in facilitating medical cannabis prescribing.

Tuesday, 13th June

The Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 0AE

Psychiatry, 10am – 1pm

With guest presenter Dr Niraj Singh, Consultant Psychiatrist and Expert Member of the Society.

Neurology, 2pm – 5pm

With guest presenter Dr Elie Okirie, Consultant in Neurological and Specialist Rehabilitation and Expert Member of the Society.

Pain, 6pm – 9pm

With guest presenter Dr Dani Gordon, Integrative Medicine & Cannabis Medicine Consultant and Vice-Chair of the Society

About ScriptAssist

ScriptAssist empowers clinicians to prescribe medical cannabis seamlessly as part of their private practice for the first time. As a free-to-use governance tool, ScriptAssist integrates a dedicated patient app with a data-driven formulary. It is a platform meticulously designed for specialist clinicians to prescribe medical cannabis safely, effectively, and confidently.

Since January 2023, ScriptAssist has been a trusted supporter of the Society.

Don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your understanding and skills in prescribing medical cannabis. Book your spot in the upcoming training sessions today..
Book Your Place

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is proud to announce our support for a new campaign called “Protect Our Patients.” This vital campaign, led by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC), aims to extend the legal access to medical cannabis in the United Kingdom. Currently, 1.8 million patients rely on the illicit market for their medical cannabis needs, and we believe it’s time to change that.

In 2018, then Home Secretary Sajid Javid MP introduced new rules allowing specialist medical practitioners, but not general practitioners (GPs), to prescribe cannabis medicines. This change resulted in about 1,000 patients receiving cannabis prescriptions through the NHS annually, with an additional 20,000 patients obtaining private prescriptions each year.

However, these numbers pale in comparison to the 1.8 million people in the UK accessing the illicit cannabis market for medical reasons. This issue stems, in part, from the fact that GPs are unable to prescribe medical cannabis and the prohibitive cost of private prescriptions for those on low incomes or disability benefits.

The Protect Our Patients campaign calls for a change in policy, allowing GPs to prescribe medical cannabis to their patients. This relatively straightforward change would greatly benefit countless patients in need. The campaign is seeking support from various industry organisations, including the Society, Volteface, and Maple Tree Consultants, to rally behind this critical initiative.

Soicety Founder and CIC President, Professor Mike Barnes, highlighted the importance of the campaign, stating, “The current model for medical cannabis where only consultants can prescribe is simply not working in the interests of the majority of patients.” He urged the industry to unite around this agenda to better protect patients in need.

The Society fully supports the Protect Our Patients campaign and GP prescribing of medical cannabis. We also welcome GPs as members of our Society, recognising the essential role they play in patient care.

To support the campaign, you can share its details, including the video, on your social media channels using #ProtectOurPatients.

Visit the website at www.protectourpatients.co.uk for more.

Together, we can advocate for more accessible medical cannabis and ensure that patients receive the care they deserve. Let’s work together to make medical cannabis more widely available and help patients access the medicine they so desperately need.

We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to our newest supporter, Althea. Their commitment to our cause further strengthens our mission and reinforces the importance of collaboration within the medical cannabis sector.

Meet Althea

Althea, a global pharmaceutical company, specialises in distributing medicinal cannabis products to various markets such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Australia, and South Africa. They use their extensive expertise to collaborate with healthcare professionals, educating them on the clinical usage of medicinal cannabis and simplifying prescribing pathways to achieve the best clinical outcomes for patients.

Proudly offering Concierge, a Therapeutic Goods Administration-registered medical device, Althea delivers a range of education, access, and management tools to assist healthcare professionals and eligible patients in navigating medicinal cannabis treatment pathways. To learn more, one can register for Concierge here: Login – Althea Concierge, or contact [email protected].

We are proud to offer Concierge, a Therapeutic Goods Administration-registered medical device, which provides a range of education, access, and management tools to support healthcare professionals and eligible patients in navigating medicinal cannabis treatment pathways. To learn more, register for Concierge at the following link Login – Althea Concierge or contact [email protected].

Focusing on quality and consistency, Althea’s comprehensive portfolio of full-spectrum products is manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice regulations. The company believes in the potential value of the entourage effect offered by full-spectrum products (*1&2).

For more information about Althea, their product portfolio, and the services they provide, please reach out to them at [email protected].

 

Supporting the MCCS

The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is grateful for the continued support from licensed producers, industry leaders, and individuals alike, which enables us to achieve our objectives.

This generous unrestricted educational grant funding empowers the Society to offer CPD-accredited training, events, and peer support, fostering the development and expansion of the UK’s largest and most esteemed network of prescribers.

Organizations interested in collaborating with the Society are encouraged to reach out and discover the advantages of joining forces to enhance our collective impact.

 

References

1. Russo, E., 2019. The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9.
2. Baron, E., 2018. Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science. Headache, 58(7), pp.1139-1186.