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Medical cannabis may help manage various conditions and symptoms. To determine if you’re eligible for treatment through Emerald, complete our eligibility check.

www.emeraldhealthclinic.co.uk

Cannabinoids—like THC and CBD—work by interacting with a natural system in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps regulate important functions such as pain, sleep, mood, appetite, inflammation, and immune response.

The ECS has special receptors found throughout the brain and body:

• CB1 receptors, mainly in the brain and nervous system, affect things like pain, memory, and mood.
• CB2 receptors, mostly in the immune system, help manage inflammation and immune activity.

THC binds mostly to CB1 receptors, which is why it can influence pain relief and also cause a feeling of being “high.” CBD works differently—it doesn’t bind strongly to these receptors but helps balance the system and may reduce pain, anxiety, and inflammation without making you feel high.

In short, cannabinoids support the body’s natural balance, especially when the usual systems are out of sync due to illness or chronic symptoms.

Like all prescription medications, cannabis-based medicines have contraindications—specific conditions where a drug may be unsafe or unsuitable.

Contraindications refers to certain conditions or circumstances in which a specific medication should be avoided, as its use could potentially harm the patient.

Before prescribing, Emerald’ specialists review health records to:

• Identify potential risks or contraindications related to your health condition.
• Ensure cannabis-based treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific needs.
• Confirm that any existing medications or medical conditions will not interact negatively with cannabis-based medicines.

This screening process helps promote safe care, minimising risks while ensuring treatment is tailored to individual health backgrounds. 

Every new patient must be seen by an Emerald specialist before accessing treatment.

Each doctor is responsible for their own prescribing decisions, which means they need to meet you during an appointment, review your medical history, and understand your needs before proceeding.

It is not possible to access cannabis-based medicines through Emerald without completing the registration process and an initial assessment.

Driving while using medical cannabis requires careful consideration of legal and safety guidelines. 

To access this please follow the link below

https://www.cicouncil.org.uk/resources/cannabis-driving/cannabis-driving-guidance-for-patients/

Emerald can offer general guidance, but this does not replace professional legal advice tailored to your circumstances. 

Please also see the link to the DVLA online driving and health checker. Please follow the instructions shown if your condition is not listed. A condition which is not listed does not mean there is not a requirement to self-report. We also advise checking the terms of your motor insurance 

https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving

Important safety reminders:

• Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel impaired.
• Use all medicines, including cannabis-based treatments, strictly as directed.
• This advice applies to all medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements.

Yes — you can choose which pharmacy dispenses your prescription.

If you have a preferred pharmacy, please let our team know and we will send your prescription there, provided the pharmacy is appropriately licensed to dispense your medication.

We also work with partner pharmacies that are familiar with our prescribing processes and stock availability, which can help ensure a smoother and faster turnaround.

Please note that if you choose an alternative pharmacy, dispensing times, stock availability, and delivery arrangements may vary and are outside of our control.

Prescriptions must be dispensed exactly as written by your clinician. Pharmacies cannot substitute medications without a new prescription.

Medication is prescribed based on clinical suitability and our approved formulary. You cannot request specific products based on availability at other pharmacies, and we are unable to prescribe medications outside of our formulary.