Medical Cannabis & The Law

Is my treatment legal?

Cannabis based prescription medicines (CBPMs) are legal in the UK but can only be prescribed for an unmet clinical need where two previous medications or treatments have failed. In November 2018, the UK government rescheduled cannabis-based medicinal products, moving them from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This change recognised that cannabis-based medicinal products have therapeutic benefits and can be prescribed by specialist doctors. You can learn more here.

What is my summary care record and why is it important?

A Summary Care Record (SCR) is an electronic record that contains essential information about your health, including your medications, allergies, and past medical history. It is available to authorised healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, who need access to the your information to provide you with the best possible care.

We require access to your Summary Care Record (SCR) to confirm your eligibility to become a MAMEDICA patient. When completing the eligibility form, you can provide consent for our team to request this record from your GP, and you’ll also have the option to sign in to your NHS account via our patient portal immediately after registration.

What is classed as two forms of treatment, medication or therapy?

Any medication, therapy, or treatment prescribed by your GP, a specialist doctor, or a licensed practitioner qualifies as one of your two previous treatments. If you have any questions, please contact our clinic.

Do I need to inform my employer about my Medical Cannabis?

We advise all patients to inform their employer about their medical cannabis treatment. Our clinic can provide supporting documentation upon request.

If your workplace conducts drug testing, please note that THC may be detected, even several days after use, as most tests are highly sensitive to trace amounts. While CBD itself is non-intoxicating, some CBD products may contain small amounts of THC, which can also result in a positive test.

Please be aware that in certain professions — such as aviation, transportation, and construction — any detectable level of THC may be prohibited. We therefore recommend being transparent with your employer and seeking guidance from your union or professional body where necessary.

My work has a no-drug policy, can I still become a patient?

Although medical cannabis has been legal in the UK with a prescription since 2018, your ability to use it while employed ultimately depends on your employer’s internal policies.

In many cases, employers maintain a zero-tolerance stance on drug use in the workplace, even when the medication is prescribed for legitimate medical purposes. However, some jurisdictions and sectors may have provisions that protect medical cannabis patients from discrimination and require employers to make reasonable accommodations - for example, allowing scheduled breaks for medication or adjusting duties to minimise potential side effects.

We strongly recommend discussing your treatment with your employer and, where applicable, your union or professional body to understand their policies and explore any accommodations available to you as a medical cannabis patient.

Can I consume my medication in public?

It is legal under current UK law to consume your prescribed medical cannabis in public. However, your medication must remain in its original packaging, and we recommend keeping a copy of your prescription letter - either printed or digital - readily available. If you encounter any issues, please contact our clinic for assistance.

Can I grow my own cannabis?

It is illegal for patients to grow or cultivate medical cannabis themselves. All medical cannabis products supplied by Mamedica are fully compliant with EU-GMP (European Union Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

What happens if I am stopped by police?

All patients should keep their medication in its original packaging and carry a copy of their prescription letter, either printed or in digital form. If you experience any issues, please contact our clinic so we can verify your patient status.

What is an unlicensed special medication?

In the UK, an unlicensed “special” medication refers to a medicine that does not hold a UK marketing authorisation but may be prescribed to patients under specific circumstances when no suitable licensed alternative is available.

What is the minimum age to become a patient?

Mamedica only treats patients aged 18 years and over. While UK law does not specify a minimum age for medical cannabis prescriptions, all private medical cannabis clinics follow this standard practice of treating adult patients only.

If you are under 18 and believe medical cannabis could benefit your condition, we recommend discussing your options with your GP, who may be able to refer you for NHS specialist assessment in exceptional circumstances.

Do you prescribe CBD? Is it CBD?

We offer an extensive formulary of medical cannabis products designed to support patients with a wide range of conditions. These are primarily available as high-THC dried flower, oils, vape cartridges, pastilles, and capsules, offered in various THC, CBD, and balanced formulations.

Do you prescribe THC? Is it THC?

Yes, we offer an extensive formulary of medical cannabis products designed to support patients with a wide range of conditions. These are primarily available as high-THC dried flower, oils, vape cartridges, pastilles, and capsules, offered in various THC, CBD, and balanced formulations.