Publications Archives - The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society

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:

Eligibility and professional responsibility – Who can prescribe, when shared care is appropriate, and what constitutes good clinical oversight.
Peer approval processes – A formalised recommendation for multidisciplinary team reviews and shared documentation for new prescriptions and significant product changes.
Initial consultation standards – A comprehensive checklist supporting robust and defensible decision-making.
Prescribing plans and outcome tracking – Advice on titration, dosing principles, use of oil and flower, and setting outcome measures.
Ethical prescribing practices – Strong positions on avoiding inappropriate script direction, promoting transparency, and protecting patient choice.
Contraindications and clinical judgement – Clear advice on red flags alongside safe practice in younger or vulnerable patients.
The guide remains rooted in evidence-informed practice, drawing from the experience of prescribers actively working with patients today. It is designed to be both a reference document and a practical tool, supporting decision-making at every stage of the prescribing journey.

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:

Specialist consultants
GPs and independent prescribers
Pharmacists
Nurses and allied health professionals
Clinic managers responsible for clinical governance
Whether you are already prescribing or supporting patients receiving treatment, the guide is structured to help you meet your professional responsibilities with confidence and care.

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:

Schedule 2 controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001
Prescribed by specialist doctors registered with the GMC
Often used where licensed medicines have failed or are unsuitable
Available in forms including oils, capsules, oral sprays, and vapourised flower

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

Request to see the prescription or clinic letter
Confirm the product was prescribed by an authorised clinician
Check the formulation, dosage, and frequency
Ensure the medicine is not recreational or illegally sourced

Record Clearly and Notify the Team

Document the CBPM in the patient’s drug chart and notes
Notify the pharmacy, anaesthetic team, and relevant consultants
Highlight any possible interactions with anaesthetic or other medications

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:

Secure storage in the CD cabinet unless a self-administration plan is in place
Respect for patients’ rights to self-administer where safe and appropriate
Providing access to a safe, private area for administration (vaping in outdoor spaces or single rooms where policy permits)

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:

What to ask during the pre-op assessment
Drug interaction risks (especially with CYP450-metabolised medications)
How THC may affect anaesthesia depth, cardiovascular stability, and airway reactivity
Whether and when to pause CBPMs before surgery
How to safely resume CBPMs post-op with input from the prescribing specialist

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

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:

24/7 support from peers and the MCCS expert committee
Access to our active Google Group for real-time clinical advice
CPD-accredited training, events, and webinars
Evidence-based resources and guidance tailored to UK practice

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.