Good Practice Archives - The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society

Date: Thursday 20 November 2025 | Time: 7:00pm (UK) | Register: Click to register now via Zoom

In this practical session, Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS), will walk through the key principles of the Good Practice Guide for Prescribers of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBPMs) – the definitive framework for safe, ethical, and compliant prescribing in the UK. In this webinar, explore the updated guidance, including best practice in consultations, peer review, prescribing protocols, and follow-up care.

Developed by clinicians for clinicians, the Guide brings clarity and consistency to an evolving field. Professor Barnes will explain why the framework matters, how it aligns with GMC and MHRA expectations, and how prescribers can apply it to strengthen clinical practice and protect patients.

A must-attend for clinicians and clinic managers who want to ensure they meet professional standards and deliver safe, defensible care.

What you will learn

What defines good practice in medical cannabis prescribing
The role of the Good Practice Guide in ensuring consistency, safety, and accountability
How to apply the guidelines in clinical consultations, documentation, and shared care
The importance of peer review, outcome tracking, and ongoing professional development

Who should attend?

Open to all professionals working in or around medical cannabis prescribing, including:

Specialist consultants, GPs, and independent prescribers
Pharmacists, nurses, and clinic managers
Medical educators, regulators, and industry stakeholders

Register for Free
This 45-minute session will be followed by a 15-minute open Q&A with Professor Barnes, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and discuss real-world applications of the Good Practice framework.

Places are free but limited – register now to secure your spot and join the conversation on raising standards in medical cannabis prescribing.

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

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.