How to Get Legal Cannabis in the UK

It is a well kept secret in the UK that today over 250.000 British citizens are prescribed medical cannabis products for a huge range of ailments and this post hopes to help you understand the current landscape of medical cannabis in the UK, how you could potentially get access as well as the process and costs involved.

The Legality of Cannabis in the UK

Before diving into the process of obtaining medical cannabis, it's essential to understand the legal backdrop. In the UK, cannabis was reclassified in November 2018, allowing only specialist doctors to prescribe it legally. However, despite this legal change, access to medicinal cannabis via the NHS remains highly restricted. This means that most peoples only realistic hopes of receiving medical cannabis is through the private sector. Medical cannabis must only be vaporised and not smoked.

The Role of Private Clinics in Cannabis

Private prescriptions are the primary avenue for patients seeking medical cannabis. Unlike the NHS, private clinics are often more flexible and responsive to the needs of patients. These clinics are staffed by specialists who are qualified to prescribe medicinal cannabis for a range of conditions. The conditions treated by these clinics varies from clinic to clinic based on their own expertise. An example of some of the conditions regularly receiving prescriptions from private clinics include pain, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and fibromyalgia. Most of these clinics require that you have tried at least 2 previous prescription medicines for your condition before seeking assistance from cannabis.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Weed Prescription

Consultation with Your GP: Your journey typically starts with a discussion with your GP. While your GP cannot prescribe medicinal cannabis, they can provide valuable insight into your medical history and advise whether it's an appropriate line of treatment to explore. It is important to note that note all GP's will be receptive towards medical cannabis and if this is the case, we encourage you to still seek private advice elsewhere from those better positioned to advise you.
Finding a Specialist Clinic: If you decide to pursue a private prescription, the next step is to find a reputable clinic specializing in medicinal cannabis. Choosing a good clinic is essential in receiving the best treatment possible. Luckily, there is a handy UK based educational platform medbud.wiki who gather data from most private UK clinics and allow you to find the right fit for you with a good reputation.
Initial Assessment: The process usually begins with an initial assessment, either in person or via a video appointment. During this consultation, a specialist will review your medical history, current medications, and the nature of your condition.
Eligibility and Suitability: The specialist will determine whether you are eligible for medicinal cannabis and if it is suitable for your condition. Conditions commonly considered include chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and some psychiatric disorders like anxiety.
Obtaining the Prescription: If deemed suitable, the specialist will issue a prescription. This prescription details the specific type and dosage of medicinal cannabis recommended for your condition.
Accessing Medication: Once you have your prescription, the medication can be obtained from a pharmacy that dispenses medicinal cannabis. Some clinics may have arrangements with specific pharmacies to streamline this process. Medbud.wiki can be used again to explore different pharmacies in the UK and allow you to find the right strain of flower for your condition.
Follow-up and Monitoring: Regular follow-ups are common and important to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust dosages if necessary. Continuous monitoring also ensures that the treatment remains safe and effective.

Costs and Considerations of Medical Cannabis

It is important to note that this process will not be free, but it is perhaps not as expensive as you first may think. The costs incurred will vary by clinic but in general most clinics will have an initial consultation fee ranging from £0-300. Once you receive your prescription your clinic will likely enforce a regular follow up consultation, which will have a smaller cost, often around £50-75. The cannabis itself will also come at a cost, Mamedica for example charge anywhere from £5-14 per gram of flower depending on the strain. It is also necessary to purchase an approved vaporiser to heat your product. Currently. three vaporisers have been approved for the use of cannabis medically. These are the Volcano(£340), Mighty Medic(£270), and Mighty+ Medic(£340) by Storz and Bickel. While these are definitely not negligible costs, the large majority of these are one-time costs and in my opinion a small price to pay for the peace of mind of legal use, doorstep prescription delivery and the ability to travel with your prescription.

The Future of Medical Cannabis in the UK

The medicinal cannabis landscape in the UK is evolving. Advocates are pushing for broader access and recognition of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. As research progresses and more data becomes available, we can expect shifts in both public perception and regulatory frameworks.

Conclusion

Navigating the medicinal cannabis scene in the UK can be challenging, but understanding the process makes it more accessible. While the private sector currently dominates the scene, changes in legislation and healthcare policies could pave the way for wider accessibility. For those considering medicinal cannabis, it’s essential to approach the process with due diligence, informed consultation, and an understanding of the financial implications. As always we encourage you to do your own research and, if you think cannabis could benefit you, seek the help 'out there!

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