Medical Cannabis Prescription UK: How It Works

Who Can Write a Medical Cannabis Prescription?

• Only specialist doctors on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe CBMPs in the UK
• GPs cannot initiate a medical cannabis prescription, though they may co-prescribe following a specialist recommendation
• Eligible specialists include pain consultants, neurologists, psychiatrists and palliative care physicians
• Most prescriptions today are written by private specialist clinics rather than through NHS channels

The restriction to GMC specialists reflects the complexity of cannabis-based prescribing. Dosing, product selection and monitoring require expertise beyond what most general practice settings can currently provide.

The Prescription Process Step by Step

• Step 1: Initial consultation (usually a 45–60 minute video call) with a specialist doctor
• Step 2: The clinician reviews your medical records, previous treatments and current symptoms
• Step 3: If appropriate, a prescription is written on a Controlled Drug (CD) prescription form
• Step 4: The prescription is sent electronically or physically to a specialist dispensing pharmacy
• Step 5: The pharmacy dispenses and delivers your medication, usually within two to three working days

Some clinics require GP records to be uploaded in advance. Having at least two years of relevant medical history available speeds up the assessment and reduces the likelihood of needing an additional appointment.

Controlled Drug Prescription Requirements

• Medical cannabis prescriptions must comply with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (Schedule 2 rules)
• The prescription must state: patient name and address, drug name, form, strength and quantity in words and figures
• It must be signed by the prescribing doctor and include their name and address
• Repeat prescriptions are not permitted for Schedule 2 drugs — each supply requires a new prescription

The administrative requirements exist to maintain an audit trail and prevent diversion. Specialist pharmacies are experienced in handling these prescriptions efficiently.

What Happens at Follow-Up?

• Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled every one to three months
• Clinicians assess efficacy, side effects, dose stability and any tolerance development
• Prescriptions are renewed at each visit if treatment is progressing appropriately
• Some clinics offer nursing-led check-ins between consultations for ongoing support

Consistent follow-up is both a legal requirement and a clinical necessity. Cannabinoids affect individuals differently, and dose adjustments — particularly in the first few months — are common and normal.