For patients and carers, in plain English.
The UK system for cannabis-based medicines can feel like a maze of clinics, forms and jargon. These pages explain how it works, in plain English.
The guides.
Short, plain and written for people rather than professionals. Where the law is involved I've said what it says and linked the official source, and where it's my opinion I've said that too. How I write these guides. There are also free printable sheets, with no sign-up needed.
Questions people actually ask
Plain EnglishIs it legal in Scotland, who can prescribe, what does it cost, can I drive: the questions people type into Google, answered plainly.
Medical cannabis in Scotland: how it works
Plain EnglishThe law, what GPs and NHS Scotland do, checking a clinic with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, costs, GP records, driving and the police.
Cannabis-based medicines if you live in the Highlands
Plain EnglishHow the system works from up here: video consultations, records from a Scottish GP, delivery to remote addresses and the driving law.
How UK clinics decide who to consider
Plain EnglishHow clinics decide who they can consider, what you need to have tried first, and why a clinic might say no.
Finding your way through the clinics
Plain EnglishHow clinics, pharmacies and producers fit together, how long things take, what it costs and the questions worth asking.
Questions to ask any clinic
Plain EnglishWhat to ask any clinic about registration, the doctor, follow-up, every cost and complaints, plus the warning signs.
Driving on a cannabis-based medicine
Plain EnglishWhat the law says, the medical defence, and how to stay on the right side of it.
If the police stop you in Scotland
Plain EnglishWhat the law says, what Police Scotland has published, searches, what to carry, and where to get help afterwards.
Work, disclosure and workplace testing
Plain EnglishWhether to tell your employer, what they can ask, and where you stand.
Travelling abroad with your medicine
Plain EnglishWhich countries, what paperwork, and when to leave it at home.
Visiting the UK when you use a cannabis-based medicine at home
Plain EnglishFor people who live outside the UK: the border rules, how prescribing works here, and going home.
Printable sheets
Plain EnglishQuestions to ask any clinic, smoking or vaporising, and using a vaporiser safely. Free, no sign-up needed.
The UK pathway, stage by stage
Plain EnglishFrom first enquiry to follow-up: who does what, and how long each bit takes.
The UK pathway, stage by stage
Read the explainer- Referral and screening
- Specialist consultation
- Multidisciplinary review
- Prescription and dispensing
- Follow-up and review
This describes how the system works. It isn't advice to seek treatment. Only a specialist doctor can decide whether a cannabis-based medicine is appropriate for someone, and many people are not suitable.
Questions about how it works? Drop me a message.
I've sat with thousands of people trying to make sense of this system, and most of them had the same questions: is it legal, how does the process work, what will it cost, and what should I ask a clinic? Those are good questions, and you shouldn't have to work them out alone.
If you have a question about how the process runs, the rules on driving, work and travel, or what to look for and ask in any clinic, send me a message. I'll reply with general information about how the UK system works. I don't assess anyone, read records or advise on treatment, and I won't recommend a particular clinic, pharmacy or product.
Drop me a message This is free general guidance, not clinical advice. I can't tell you what to take or how much, and I don't prescribe. Your prescribing clinic is responsible for your care and your prescription, and if you're unwell, please speak to them, your GP or NHS 111.