Can my GP prescribe medical cannabis?

When we think of going to see the doctor, the first thing that often springs to mind is taking a trip to our local GP, or a family doctor we’ve known for years. And so, it’s understandable that when many discover medical cannabis may be a suitable treatment option for their health condition, they’re left wondering ‘can I get medical cannabis from my GP?’

And the answer is no. Well, at least, not from your local GP surgery. 

We spoke to Releaf to find out more. They explained, in the UK, only doctors registered on the General Medical Council’s specialist register can write a patient’s first prescription for medical cannabis.

However, GPs working for medical cannabis clinics like Releaf, can be involved in follow-up care, and issue repeat prescriptions for cannabis-based medicines under a shared care agreement. 

But, what is a shared care agreement?

Once a specialist doctor has prescribed medication and is happy with your progress, a GP acting under shared care supervision can sign repeat prescriptions, provided that nothing changes in the dosage or type of medication needed. 

So, why can’t GPs working for the NHS issue prescriptions for medical cannabis flower or prescribed cannabis oil?

Your NHS GP cannot prescribe medical cannabis or cannabis oil. The reason for this is the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) will not approve the funding of medicines to be prescribed by the NHS unless they have strict clinical trials to validate their exact use. 

Most cannabis-based medicinal products, while no longer being legally prohibited, have still not been granted a licence for use in the UK. This means that doctors need to apply for specialist funding any time they want to prescribe them, or request their NHS trust to fund them directly. 

In reality, that means it is mostly specialist private doctors working for medical cannabis clinics that prescribe medical cannabis, and patients pay for their medication independently. 

Private GPs or NHS GPs can refer you to a private medical cannabis clinic with specialist doctors if they believe it is in your best interest, but, you can self-refer and most contact medical cannabis clinics directly.

Will my NHS GP be told if I get a private medical cannabis prescription?

Yes, your GP will be informed when you are prescribed medical cannabis through a private clinic as a standard duty of care.

But, most UK-based medical cannabis clinics like Releaf provide follow-up care internally with their own doctors and GPS, as opposed to through shared care agreements with NHS practitioners. 

Should I talk to my GP about medical cannabis before contacting a private medical cannabis clinic? 

Your GP will not be able to give you any advice on medical cannabis, but there is no harm in talking to your GP about it if you are considering this treatment option. However, it is important to note that doctors who work for the NHS full-time are far less likely to have engaged in any kind of medical cannabis training or educational course, than those who work for medical cannabis clinics.

This is simply because it would not be cost-effective, or essential, for NHS to learn whilst the NHS isn’t prescribing medical cannabis products, and so often, unfortunately, their knowledge on this subject is limited. 

But, if you’re curious as to whether a medical cannabis prescription could be right for you, you’d like to speak to a qualified, specialist doctor, or you simply just want to learn more about who can prescribe medical cannabis in the UK, head over to Releaf to find out more.