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For centuries, cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes. Following prohibition and law changes, its use became limited and the scope of its benefits not appreciated. Despite its long history, there is still much to be learned about the medical benefits and potential risks of this remarkable plant. With any new treatment, it is crucial that clinicians are confident about dosing, interactions with other drugs, tolerability and prescribing information – able to counter impressive claims with evidence-based knowledge.

That’s why the Society has developed a range of medical education for clinical colleagues across the UK to help them better understand all aspects of medical cannabis use.

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Medical Cannabis student elective

Medical Cannabis Explained: Become a confident prescriber


Are you a healthcare professional looking to gain an expert-level knowledge of medical cannabis treatment?

Medical Cannabis Explained, our live course hosted by Professor Mike Barnes, is the perfect learning opportunity for members who want to become confident and competent prescribers of this effective therapy, or simply increase their understanding of the treatment.

The Society’s course provides healthcare professionals with an overview of medicinal cannabis, its historical use and applications, evidence for its use, up to date research, indications, conditions and symptoms suitable for treatment with cannabis based medicinal products (CBPMs), overviews of different products available in the UK including licensed producers, CBD/THC ratio dosages and much more – all centered around best practices for safe and responsible prescribing.

It also offers insight into how these treatments may benefit patients suffering from various conditions such as chronic pain or mental health issues like anxiety or depression. The course also provides guidance on local legal regulations surrounding cannabis medicine so that practitioners can ensure they are prescribing it responsibly and within the law.

By taking this course, participants will gain a deep understanding of the medicinal cannabis plant and its use. For Specialist Consultants, it will enable them to make informed decisions when recommending it as an option for their patients’ care plans. For non-prescribers, the course will provide a comprehensive understanding of medical cannabis as a discipline and the science behind the cannabis plant.

Medical Cannabis Explained is hosted by the Society’s Professor Mike Barnes, the first UK doctor to successfully negotiate a prescription for medical cannabis from the government (in the case of Alfie Dingley). Recognised as a powerful and influential voice in medical cannabis policy in Europe, in his role as President of the Society, Prof. Barnes is dedicated to medical cannabis education and peer support for doctors and health care professionals.

On completion of the training, you will receive a CPD-certified certificate.

A range of medical cannabis subjects and how to prescribe it safely and effectively

Sign up for Medical Cannabis Explained: Become a confident prescriber

Become an expert in your field by accessing world class education and make sure that your patients receive only the highest quality care when it comes to their treatment plan. Gain insight into what product type may be best suited for different indications and tap into resources through the Society that will help you develop new skills.

Members of the Society can sign up via Eventbrite to take part in the next training session. Training takes place on a bi-monthly basis.

Attendance is £99 for members. Not yet a member? Join today and sign up for the next training session.

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Training for doctors FAQs 

What will I learn on the course?

A range of medical cannabis subjects and how to prescribe it safely and effectively

  • The history of medicinal cannabis as a treatment
  • Indications, conditions & symptoms suitable for medicinal cannabis treatment, including a discussion on NICE guidelines
  • Understanding the cannabis plant
  • Overview of different medicinal cannabis products (CBMP) types: oils, flower, vape products
  • Understanding the Endocannabinoid System – a complex network of biochemical pathways consisting of endocannabinoids, receptors, enzymes and other molecules that work together to maintain homeostasis
  • How CBD/THC ratios and dosage work
  • Cannabis based medicinal products available in the UK, including an overview of licensed producers, how to access and which products are available under Project Twenty21
  • How to select the best medical cannabis product for symptom management
  • Safe and effective dosing and prescribing
  • Consultations & the follow-up process
  • Supporting challenging patients
  • Q&A – ask questions live or send your queries in advance of the training so that we can ensure these can be answered during the session

Who can attend this training?

This training course is tailored to UK healthcare providers who want an excellent understanding of medicinal cannabis and how to use it effectively.

Medical Cannabis Explained: Become a confident prescriber is available to all members of the Society – specialist consultants, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, medical students and researchers and scientists.

For Specialist Consultants, there is additional material around the journey to becoming a prescribing, safe and effective dosing, and an overview of the requirements prescribers must satisfy in order to treat patients.

Not yet a member? Join the Society.

How is this course delivered?

Training takes place over Zoom video conference, so is fully interactive and provides an opportunity for meeting other like-minded medical professionals across the UK.

The course duration is 3 hours.

Why isn't medicinal cannabis more widely prescribed in the UK?

Cannabis has been used medicinally for centuries, but it’s only recently through widespread usage, cannabis research and changes in the law that we’ve understood more about how it can help patients.

There are still a lot of misconceptions about cannabis and its use as medicine. With a lack of randomised controlled trials, many clinicians are concerned about the weight of evidence and the safety of the treatment.

The Society’s Medical Cannabis Explained training course will teach you everything you need to know about this powerful plant. You’ll learn about the different types of medicinal cannabis, how to prescribe it safely and effectively, and the benefits it can offer your patients.

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