Medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription in the UK since November 2018. Nonetheless, receiving a prescription involves a formal medical assessment somewhat than simply ordering cannabis products online. A specialist physician must determine whether cannabis-based treatment is clinically appropriate for the patient’s condition.
Earlier than booking a session, it is helpful to collect the necessary documents. Having complete and accurate information can forestall delays and permit the clinic to assess eligibility more efficiently.
Proof of Identity
Most UK medical cannabis clinics require patients to provide valid photographic identification. This confirms the patient’s identity, age and personal details.
Accepted identification will often embrace one of the following:
A sound UK or international passport
A UK photocard driving licence
A recognised proof-of-age card
One other government-issued photographic identity document
The name and date of birth on the identification ought to match the information used throughout registration. Patients must generally be no less than 18 years old to obtain treatment through an adult medical cannabis clinic.
Valid identification can also be helpful after a prescription has been issued. NHS guidance recommends carrying proof of identity alongside proof that the cannabis-based medicine was legally prescribed.
Summary Care Record
One of the important documents is the patient’s Summary Care Record, typically abbreviated to SCR. This is a condensed version of the medical information held by the patient’s NHS GP practice.
It could comprise details such as:
Present and previous health conditions
Prescription treatment history
Allergic reactions and adverse reactions
Important test outcomes
Relevant hospital treatment
Earlier referrals and diagnoses
Many private clinics ask patients to request this record from their GP surgery. Some clinics can contact the GP directly after receiving the patient’s consent.
Providing access to the Summary Care Record allows the specialist to confirm the analysis and review previous treatments. CQC inspection information shows that medical cannabis providers could require patients to submit their NHS GP summary record and consent to information being shared with their GP.
Evidence of a Qualifying Medical Condition
A cannabis prescription can’t be issued solely because a patient requests one. The specialist should assess a genuine medical condition and decide whether or not cannabis-based mostly treatment could supply a reasonable clinical benefit.
Supporting proof may include:
Consultant letters
Hospital discharge summaries
Diagnostic reports
Pain clinic assessments
Mental health reports
Physiotherapy records
Neurology or rheumatology correspondence
Imaging outcomes, akin to MRI or X-ray reports
The required evidence depends on the condition being treated. Some patients could already have sufficient information in their GP records, while others could need to obtain documents from a hospital or specialist.
Earlier Treatment Records
UK medical cannabis clinics commonly consider patients who’ve already tried standard treatments without adequate outcomes or who skilled unacceptable side effects. Patients should due to this fact provide proof of medicines, therapies or procedures previously attempted.
Useful documentation can include prescription records, pharmacy treatment lists, specialist letters and treatment plans. The clinic could wish to know the name of each treatment, how long it was used, whether it helped and why it was discontinued.
There isn’t a common rule stating that every patient should have tried exactly the same number of medicines. Eligibility is assessed individually, based on the condition, treatment history, risks and available alternatives.
Present Treatment List
Patients should provide an up-to-date list of all medicines they currently take. This contains prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and related supplements.
The specialist needs this information to identify attainable interactions and assess whether or not medical cannabis may improve effects reminiscent of sedation, dizziness or impaired concentration.
Patients also needs to disclose any previous reactions to medicines and any history of substance dependence, psychosis or different significant mental health conditions. Full disclosure helps the physician make a safer prescribing decision.
Proof of Address
Some clinics could request proof of a present UK address. This may be needed for identity verification, clinic registration or secure delivery of prescribed medication.
Commonly accepted documents include a recent utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill or official government correspondence. Requirements vary between providers, so patients should check the clinic’s registration instructions.
Additional Consent Forms
Patients could need to sign consent forms permitting the clinic to review medical records and communicate with their GP. They may also be asked to confirm that the information equipped is full and accurate.
Cannabis-based mostly medicinal products can only be prescribed by, or under the direction of, an appropriately registered specialist doctor. The final choice is based on clinical choosement and is not assured simply because the required paperwork has been submitted.
Preparing for the Consultation
Before making use of, patients should put together photographic identification, their Abstract Care Record, proof of their prognosis, earlier treatment records and a current treatment list. Additional documents could also be requested depending on the clinic and medical condition.
Submitting clear and complete records helps the specialist understand the patient’s medical history and decide whether or not a UK cannabis prescription is appropriate, safe and legally justified.
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