Medical Cannabis in the UK
The Journey Towards Acceptance – Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018, a pivotal moment for countless individuals in need. Yet, it’s still largely underutilised. Why? Let’s delve deeper.
A Brief History of Medical Cannabis in the UK
Since its legalisation in 2018, the NHS has issued fewer than 5 prescriptions.
Project Twenty21 emerged from a governmental call for scientific evidence.
Although countries like Canada, The Netherlands, Israel, and the Czech Republic have advanced significantly in cannabis research, the UK has been somewhat lagging.
Did youknow?
Drug Science, founded by Professor David Nutt in 2010, aims to present the most comprehensive study on medical cannabis benefits in Europe under Project Twenty21.
This isn’t a clinical trial – it’s a registry. Participants cover some costs, but the insights might reshape the UK’s stance on cannabis.
The Cost of Medical Cannabis
It’s undeniable that private cannabis prescriptions come at a cost, and unfortunately, it’s not pocket-friendly for everyone.
Though prices are slightly above street value, the benefits of legal, safe, and medically supervised treatment could be life changing.
A significant goal of Project Twenty21 is to gather evidence supporting NHS funding for medical cannabis, where benefits outweigh potential risks.
The Changing Face of Cannabis Acceptance
David Nutt, once Chair of the Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council, made headlines with his views comparing the dangers of ecstasy and LSD to alcohol.
Although his candidness led to his removal, it highlighted the need for change. Today, activists, scientists, and doctors unite to change perceptions about cannabis.
The powerful effects of cannabis treatments for conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD are hard to ignore, yet accessibility remains a hurdle for many.
Did you know? The UK was the world’s largest supplier of medical cannabis.
Yet, Brexit and COVID-19 trade issues have added challenges for patients relying on imports.
Personal Experiences A Glimpse into Medical Cannabis Treatment
Through Project Twenty21, eligible patients can get supervised access to medical cannabis treatments. One such patient shared their transformative journey, from being prescribed various treatments to finding solace in cannabis. Costs might be high, but as the patient says, “the outcome is priceless.”
From oils to flowers, patients have a range of treatment options. Dosages vary by individual, but the key lies in consistency. Regular check-ins with consultants ensure treatments are effective and safe.
Spotlight: Prof. Mike Barnes, Medical Director of The Medical Cannabis Clinics, and campaigner for cannabis-based therapies, played an instrumental role in securing a prescription for Alfie Dingley, a child with a rare form of epilepsy.
His treatments drastically reduced seizures, offering a new lease on life.
The Future of Medical Cannabis in the UK
Medical cannabis has proven transformative for many. It’s a natural, versatile treatment that deserves a place in the UK’s healthcare landscape.
With ongoing research, awareness campaigns, and positive patient testimonials, the UK stands on the brink of a medical cannabis renaissance. The hope?
That more individuals can safely access and benefit from this remarkable plant.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the natural potential of cannabis. Join the movement, support research, and help bring change to the UK’s cannabis landscape. With consistent efforts and the backing of science, a brighter, greener future awaits
Medical Cannabis in the UK: The Journey Towards Acceptance
Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018, a pivotal moment for countless individuals in need.
Yet, it’s still largely underutilised. Why? Let’s delve deeper.
The Medical Cannabis clinic
Project Twenty21 was born out of a need to satisfy the Governments’ request for UK scientific proof. The study is Europe-wide and will demonstrate the efficacy of Cannabis in humans. It is only natural that we look to science for evidence of the plant’s benefits.
There is an extensive set of data from fellow Countries like Canada, The Netherlands, Israel and the Czech Republic. These Countries are considered The Giants in Cannabis Growth and Research. More and more research results are published daily; it is an exciting time for this humble but mighty plant. And the UK is now collating its evidence; Drug Science was founded in 2010 by Professor David Nutt.
Drug Science brings together leading drug experts, to carry out ground-breaking research into drug effects. The group Drug Science aims to put together the most extensive study in Europe’s Project Twenty21′.
It is important to note; There is no placebo involved in this study therefore it’s a Registry and not a Clinical Trial. And it’s not free so the patient bears some of the Cannabis Prescription cost in the UK
The study will provide a much-needed service of Private Medical Cannabis Prescriptions in the UK. Of course, limited to those who can afford the prescriptions, we will discuss the Cannabis prescription costs in the UK later in this article.
Costs of Medical Cannabis Prescription in the UK are slightly more expensive than the street prices, once you factor in the consultant fees and prescription costs. But it does all depend on how much you need.
are you ELIGIBLE
With Project Twenty21, eligible patients can access a medical cannabis treatment monitored by Drug Science. The organisers of the project aim to enrol 20,000 patients by 2021. The study will create the largest body of evidence, all for the effectiveness and tolerability of medical Cannabis. Because Drug Science hopes the outcome of Project Twenty21 will provide proof for NHS funding where the benefits of treatment with medicinal Cannabis will prove to outweigh the potential risks.
who is professor david nutt
David Nutt was the Chair of the Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council. Famously, David announced ‘ecstasy and LSD were less dangerous than alcohol’. This was during a lecture at King’s College London. The lecture was on drug risk and classification.
Unfortunately, The honest answer was not desirable and so was swiftly followed by Professor Nutt’s removal from the Panel. Almost ten years later not much changed when Prof Alex Stevens, resigned from the Advisory Council (ACMD), due to inappropriate Political interventions.
The UK is currently challenging the Government and the laws surrounding Cannabis.
Activists, Scientists and Doctors have come together to change the way we see this plant and its many benefits. They have been discussing the plant with Members of Parliament and GPs to encourage a change in how we see Cannabis.
its life changing
The Cannabis Oils and Flowers treatment can be life-changing, yet patients in the UK are unable to access or afford it as there are too many barriers. Because there is still a lot of social stigma and fear attached to this beautiful natural treatment.
Families of children who have epilepsy are desperate for NHS funding for Cannabis treatments, which have proved very effective. And patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Tourette’s Syndrome and Substance Use Disorder or PTSD – could benefit from Cannabis via our health system. But currently, they are finding it challenging to gain assistance from our National Health Care System
Patients 1.4 Million
It is estimated up to 1.4 million patients are left with no alternative but to turn to illegal means of gaining Cannabis—Criminalising and putting themselves in harm’s way.
Families are deprived of NHS assistance and have grown desperate. They are trying to fund their prescriptions privately.
Without prescriptions
The costs for UK Cannabis Prescription can be enormous, some being more than a monthly mortgage price.
Because many of the treatments are imported from other European Countries.
the uk is one of the largest CANNABIS EXPORTERS
This is incredibly frustrating as the UK is one of the largest suppliers of Medical Cannabis; in the world. (The UK was the largest supplier until this year).
These families now face a new problem in Brexit with the absence of a Deal combined with COVID, further issues with trade have arisen. Because the flow of Medical Cannabis is about to grind to a halt.
Added stress
The stress increases further and a painful inability to gain access to their treatments is devastating. Life-Threatening in some cases.
prescription CANNABIS uk
Project Twenty21 cannabis study is crucial for the UK to move forward and to realise this plant’s potential and in turn, change UK laws surrounding the plant. This plant requires renewed respect, and it will see a renaissance in the UK. As a nation, we need to grow it freely, without the shackles of licences and post-production laws that are starved of logic. Get Medical Cannabis with Project Twenty21.
We require access to the treatment on a large scale, and every day the need is growing more urgent.
Prof. Barnes is a campaigner for changes in attitude to cannabis-based therapies. He worked with Hannah Deacon in gaining one of the first Prescriptions for Hannah’s son Alfie Dingley. When Alfie was Seven, he was granted a special licence to use Cannabis oil and is now living a “pretty normal life”, in Hannah’s words.
Alfie has a rare form of epilepsy and was enduring up to 150 seizures every month. Those seizures have stopped, and Alfie is a happy smiling boy.
End Our Pain
Professor Barnes and Hannah now work together on the campaign, and both are standing up for other patients’ rights, patients in need of these treatments. The campaign is ‘End Our Pain’.
i am a participant
I am one of the Project Twenty21 Participants and have a Cannabis Prescription.
Proud to be a part of this study, as a CannaActivist myself. I’m very keen to have the UK Laws changed, to move with the times, so everyone can enjoy the freedom cannabis gives. The scope of benefits is much broader than described above, but the study has to have a set of parameters.
The Medical Cannabis Clinic London
My cannabis prescription UK is via The Medical Cannabis Clinics, created by Medical Director, Professor Mike Barnes.
The initial step was to ensure I was eligible for treatment.
To be a patient and part of the study, you must have one of the following conditions, recorded by your GP:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Chronic Pain
- Anxiety
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Substance Use Disorder
- PTSD
criteria for a prescription
The second criterion, you must have tried at least two prescribed treatments that have not worked. If you satisfy the above, you can access the website and Choose a Clinic. You can call (make sure when you phone you confirm you require Project Twenty21) or access an online booking system and make yourself an appointment for a consultation with a Consultant.
I meet the criteria as I endure Chronic Pain due to an old fracture that will not heal. I’ve tried many combinations of medications and treatments; none have been successful and only exacerbate my complaints. My GP is fully aware, and I also have a pain specialist I see every four months.
The process was fascinating and odd at the same time, making an appointment to gain Cannabis on a prescription. It was a day I thought would never come; it gave me butterflies
There are different Consultants to choose from, depending on your medical requirements.
my GP helped
Cannabis prescription costs in the UK are in the middle so not cheap but not too expensive. The initial appointment was £150. I went ahead and booked my first consultation with the Pain Specialist and created an online account with the Medical Cannabis Clinic at the same time. So it was all straightforward stuff, a pleasantly easy process.
Then came a quick courtesy phone call from the Clinic before our appointment. My Consultant just had a couple of questions to check and ensure this was the correct avenue for me. Getting the appointment is no guarantee of a prescription; as initially, your Consultant will weigh up your suitability and discuss it with your GP.
All being well, an e-mail arrived with a consent form. I was giving my permission for the Consultant to access my medical records.
Two weeks later
I had an online meeting with my lovely Consultant. The appointment lasted roughly 30 minutes.
During the call, it was agreed Cannabis is the way forward for me. We went through my medical history and complaints and discussed the various treatment options.
My GP has not contacted me about this process; instead has agreed on my suitability. Previously, My GP had not been altogether enthusiastic about Cannabis Therapies, but it would appear this is no longer the case, and I applaud his open-mindedness.
cannabis prescription cost uk
Each prescription costs £150; Initially, I had two prescriptions, with 30ml of 12:25 Oil & 30g of Flower each month.
The cost for a repeat prescription is £30.
Follow-up appointments are £65 (every three months).
*These prices are from 2021 and may have changed.
It appears expensive, but for me the outcome is priceless.
The treatments were available to me at the time.
Oils:
30ml bottle 100% CBD Oil
30ml bottle 12:25 Oil – 12mg/ml THC & 25mg/ml CBD
30ml bottle 25:25 Oil – 25mg/ml THC & 25mg/ml CBD
Flower:
Khiron – Indica with 18-22% Thc
The flower terpene profile is Carophyllene oxide 0.96% Humulene 0.66% Carophyllene 0.61% Alpha-pinene 0.26%.
I’ve tried the whole menu. My bottle holds 750 drops of an MCT carrier oil (Medium Chain Triglyceride).
The cannabis treatments are a mix of CBDs and THCs, so the psychoactive elements and their healing properties are present. Of the above list, I’ve tried everything on the menu aside from the 100% CBD (as CBD is my business, I’m lucky to be aware of its benefits).
my prescription
My Prescriptions allow for both Flower and Oil. Initially, when this journey began for me, the Flower was not available, I was added to a waiting list and started straight away with 12:25 Oil. Within a few days, I received a call from the Green Pharmacy.
All systems go
We discussed and confirmed my prescription and address. All systems go, I made an over-the-phone payment. Transaction complete, the wait began for my Cannabis to be delivered through the post. And the day arrived, a black padded envelope was handed over, and my new, improved life began.
how to consume cannabis
My suggestion is to forget everything you think you know and follow the Consultants instructions. I got ahead of myself and took too much too soon.
Begin slowly
0.1ml to start twice a day for one week, then increase to three times per day. In the third week, I raised this to .02ml three times per day. The fourth week arrived at my target of .03 three times per day (I only use more when required).
After the first bottle, which lasted for over six weeks, I switched to the larger dose of 25:25mg/ml.
Problems with cannabis flower prescription
my Flower arrived. But not the Khiron that we had discussed. Due to logistical issues, the Khiron was unavailable. A different strain of Flower was provided in its stead, and it came from Israel. It looks initially like a box for a pair of tights. Inside is a foil bag; each bag contains 30gms of buds. The new Flower was more of a mix of Sativa than a pure Indica, around the same THC level.
We discussed and confirmed my prescription and address. All systems go, I made an over-the-phone payment. Transaction complete, the wait began for my Cannabis to be delivered through the post. And the day arrived, a black padded envelope was handed over, and my new, improved life began.
how long does it last
I use the Oil with a measured pipet under the tongue and hold it for as long as I can, usually around two minutes. A 30ml bottle of Oil will last me for one month, thereabouts (once up to the correct dosage).
Cannabis flowers
Vape daily, as and when I need it or use an old-fashioned bubbly. I’ve had the Flower for around six weeks now and still have a couple of weeks remaining. It is too early for me to see a pattern emerge yet.
Therapy
I can only sing the praises of this therapy, it has been life-changing for me.
Cannabis has assisted my painful spine, knees, arthritis, anxiety and pre-menopausal issues. Just Wow!
Unmolested Extract
The full natural plant extract is the way forward. No synthetics are required here. The plant is perfect just as it is. The Oil’s are excellent. As I’m enjoying a tad more physical freedom; part of My disability has been downgraded from Enhanced to Standard. My head is in a great place, and my body is very grateful.
pain relief
It’s an odd thing; one moment I’m in terrible pain, and my partner grabs my oils and gives me a few drops or an added big vape. So the next, I’m being asked how I feel and for a split second am confused by the question. You seem to forget about the pain; it just melts away oh so quietly, delightful!
Routine is the best
with Cannabis Therapy if I forget a dose, I know about it. Consistency seems to be the key here. Historically, I would struggle with the side effects of taking my old medications. Sour stomach or feeling nauseous was the common theme; but Not any more.
How much CBD to take?
it’s a joy to behold. Everyone is different, so we are in charge of our dosage. It is very much up to the individual to establish. And my next job is to report back to the Consultant. Every three months, we report back to our specialists. Information is vital for the study.
My prescription is via The Medical Cannabis Clinics, created by Medical Director, Professor Mike Barnes.
*This, of course, is only my personal experience, I cannot speak for anyone else. I am not making medical claims as Cannabis is personal and everyone has a different experience.
