Curious about medical cannabis?

Appointments are typically available within 3 days. Ahead of your consultation, you’ll be asked to provide ID, complete a brief health questionnaire, and consent to medical record access so our clinicians can review your case in advance.This ensures a safe, informed consultation. If treatment may not be suitable, we’ll let you know before your appointment.

Since Emerald exclusively offers cannabis-based products, being registered with a GP is a requirement for accessing our services. This ensures that our clinical team can be confident that you have access to primary care for any symptoms beyond our scope of treatment or if you need a referral that can only be arranged through the NHS. You may be registered with a regular NHS GP practice or through your local NHS special allocation scheme.

Sourcing cannabis-based medicines in the UK involves a complex regulatory framework reliant on export and import controls. The process involves oversight from the Home Office, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and UK customs, with strict regulations throughout the supply chain.

Emerald maintains a formulary with clinically appropriate alternatives to support continuity of treatment. While we cannot guarantee that a specific medication will always be in stock, we will ensure that an appropriate substitute is always available.

You can register with Emerald using overseas health records, but they must be translated into English.

Emerald requires a certified translation from a service that is a member of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC). These services provide translations with the necessary stamps and certificates of authenticity. Translations completed by unofficial sources, such as friends or family, are not accepted.

Emerald acknowledges that some individuals with contraindicated conditions may have used cannabis-based medicines without experiencing adverse effects. However, our medical team adheres to strict prescribing guidelines to ensure patient safety.

Unfortunately, our GMC-registered specialists generally cannot prescribe cannabis-based medicines if there is evidence of a contraindication. Every patient will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. While you may not have experienced issues so far, there is no guarantee that adverse effects won’t occur in the future.

Emerald can consider overseas health records as part of the registration process. These records must:

• Provide an overview of your health and the condition you wish to manage with cannabis-based medicines.
• Identify a care provider we can contact for further information if needed.

If you’re unsure about the suitability of your records, Emerald can review them and provide feedback.

Emerald recognises various legal frameworks across the UK that allow individuals to manage affairs on behalf of another person, particularly when they are unable to do so themselves. These frameworks differ between England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

To use this authority to access treatment via Emerald, we will need to review the individual’s health records to ensure safe prescribing plus the relevant legal documents. This is to ensure the authority extends to the health and any finance decisions required to access treatment. 

Once the review is complete, a member of our clinical team will discuss the patient’s needs with you in detail before proceeding with registration.

Yes, you can still register with Emerald, provided you can supply evidence of GP registration.

Even if your health record is limited, a summary of care or a copy of your GP record will suffice. However, if additional information about your condition or symptoms is required, Emerald may request records from other sources, such as outpatient departments or private treatment services.

The clinic will guide you on what specific information is needed to complete the screening process.

If you don’t have access to a passport or driving licence, Emerald accepts alternative forms of identification. You’ll need:

• One proof of identity
• One proof of address

These documents must be selected from the list of government-accepted ID options.To view the list please see the link below: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proof-of-identity-checklist/proof-of-identity-checklist#proof-of-identity-checklist-for-individuals

If you are unsure, please contact us for advice.

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

Many healthcare professionals rely on clinical trial outcomes to guide treatment decisions. While there is growing evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for certain conditions, comprehensive, long-term studies remain limited.

This lack of extensive research leads to differing perspectives:

• Some professionals hesitate to endorse cannabis as a medicine due to insufficient large-scale clinical data.
• Others consider available studies, patient-reported outcomes, and anecdotal evidence to form their opinions.

The absence of regulatory consistency and varying legal frameworks across different countries further contribute to the debate.

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.

Finding the right medical cannabis treatment is a personal journey, but there are ways to predict what might work best.

At Emerald, specialist doctors assess your medical history, current medications, and previous treatment responses. Based on this, they may suggest a starting product that balances key cannabinoids—THC, which has psychotropic effects, and CBD, which is non-intoxicating and may help with anxiety and inflammation.

Your doctor will also consider:

• Administration method: Whether oil, vaporised flower, or capsules best suits your needs.
• Your symptoms: Pain, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other factors that influence treatment choices.
• Available scientific data: Research and case studies that offer insight into similar conditions.

Emerald uses structured monitoring tools to personalise treatment. Your response is tracked over time, allowing for adjustments to find the most effective approach.

Each person reacts differently to cannabis-based medicines, so doses are carefully adjusted to optimise benefits while minimising unwanted effects.

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. 

Emerald understands how frustrating it can be to encounter outdated or incorrect information in your health records.

Unfortunately, our doctors cannot prescribe cannabis-based medicines if there is a contraindication or treatment for a contraindicated condition listed in your records. Once the record is corrected or updated, we can revisit your registration.

If you have identified an issue with your GP records, we advise contacting your GP surgery first and arranging to discuss this with either a GP or practice manager. If this is not helpful or relevant, please see the links below:

England & Wales:

For GP records – Your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) will have a process for feedback and advice. Your ICB can be found using the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/find-your-local-integrated-care-board/

Hospital letters or records – contact your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service, your local team can be found via the following link or via calling NHS 111:   https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/patient-advice-and-liaison-services-pals

Scotland: Patient advice and support service 

https://pass-scotland.org.uk/

Northern Ireland: The patient & client council 

https://pcc-ni.net/

The patient’s association may also be able to help: 

https://www.patients-association.org.uk/

The information commissioner (ICO), can advise on your rights in relation to your data:

https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/your-right-to-get-your-data-corrected/#:~:text=You%20can%20challenge%20the%20accuracy%20of%20personal%20data,organisation%20to%20complete%20it%20by%20adding%20more%20details.

It depends on the type of product and how it’s taken:

• Oils: These are usually held under the tongue (sublingually) for faster absorption before swallowing. Effects typically begin within 30 to 90 minutes and can last for several hours.
• Capsules: Swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system. They take effect in 30 to 90 minutes and last several hours.
• Vaporised flower: Inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. It takes effect quickly—usually within 5 to 10 minutes—and lasts around 2 to 4 hours.

Your doctor will guide you through a “start low, go slow” approach to find the dose that works best for your needs.

Once Emerald’ initiating consultants determine that you are suitable for treatment with cannabis-based medicines, they will work with you to discuss options and agree on a treatment plan.

Your plan will be tailored to your clinical needs, the available cannabis-based medications, your personal preferences, and financial considerations. The prescribing team will guide you as needed, ensuring you have both choice and input in decisions about your treatment.

Emerald’ formulary includes a range of medications designed to meet all clinical needs, spanning cannabinoid profiles, administration routes, and price points. However, not all cannabis-based medications available in the UK are included in the formulary. 

Reasons for exclusion may include delivery lead times that affect continuity of care or exclusivity agreements with other providers.

Formulary information is available upon request. If you know of a cannabis-based medication not listed that effectively meets your needs, please contact Emerald, and they will explore the possibility of accommodating your request.

Tolerance occurs when a person needs to consume more of a substance to achieve the same effect as before. With cannabis-based medicines, this can vary:

• Improved Function: Some patients experience improved function over time, which may feel different from initial use. This change is not due to reduced sensitivity but rather an indicator that the treatment is working.
• Endocannabinoid System Changes: Regular use may alter the endocannabinoid system, potentially reducing the therapeutic effect for some individuals.

Strategies to minimise tolerance:

• Alternating cannabis-based medications.
• Adjusting the THC-to-CBD ratio.
• Using medication only when truly needed, rather than at set times.
• Taking short breaks from medication to reset the body’s response.

Tolerance does not affect everyone, and different approaches work for different people. If you have concerns or believe you’re developing tolerance, discuss this with your prescriber. They can help you optimise your treatment plan.

Yes, cannabis flower prescribed by Emerald must be self-administered using a vape device.

This requirement aligns with the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, as amended by the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (Cannabis for Medicinal Use) Regulations 2018. These regulations strictly control the use of cannabis-based products, including a prohibition on administration by smoking.

Emerald offers a number of subscription packages to suit your individual needs or you can simply pay as you go. Please refer to our pricing page for detailed information.

Keep in mind that consultation fees are separate from the cost of prescribed medical cannabis. Pricing varies depending on the type of medication.

Currently, Emerald does not operate an access scheme.

No — consultation fees and medication costs are separate.

The prices shown on our website cover your clinical care, including consultations, assessments, and ongoing support from our medical team.

If treatment is prescribed, the cost of medication is paid separately. This is because medication choice, dosage, and duration are tailored to each individual, so costs can vary.

Before any prescription is issued, you will always be informed of the medication cost and can decide whether you wish to proceed.

Kindly reach out to the clinic to explore whether private health insurance can be used to cover the clinic fees. 

No — a prescription is not guaranteed.

All patients undergo a full clinical assessment with a qualified prescriber. Any decision to prescribe is based on your individual medical history, current condition, previous treatments, and whether medical cannabis is considered safe and appropriate for you.

In some cases, a prescription may not be issued. This may be due to clinical safety concerns, insufficient prior treatment trials, or if an alternative approach is more suitable.

Our clinicians always prioritise patient safety and follow UK prescribing guidelines and professional standards when making decisions.

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.

Private GP services vary widely, from occasional pay-as-you-go appointments to ongoing primary care similar to NHS GP practices.

Emerald requires a comprehensive overview of your health records to ensure safe prescribing. If your private GP service provides fragmented or limited health information, it may impact your ability to register.

If you’re unsure, Emerald can review your health records and provide feedback on whether they meet the clinic’s requirements.

Controlled drugs in the UK, are substances regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. These medications are classified because of their potential for abuse, dependency, or harm. They are divided into different schedules, each outlining specific rules for prescribing, storing and maintaining records.

Unlicensed Specials Medicines in the UK are medicines which do not hold a marketing authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) or equivalent regulatory body. This licensing process assesses various aspects of a medicine, including its active ingredients, clinical trial data, manufacturing standards, and packaging. Because unlicensed medicines have not undergone the full clinical trial process required for licensed products, there is less available data regarding their safety and effectiveness. 

Cannabis based medicines can falls into both categories and are therefore unlicensed special controlled drugs. As such, only healthcare professionals with the appropriate authority (such as a specialist doctor) are permitted to prescribe them. The prescriber is responsible for ensuring that the use of the unlicensed drug is both clinically justified and safe for the patient. Section 10 of the Medicines Act 1968 enables a pharmacy to prepare & supply a “special “in response to each individual prescription. 

The requirements involved in prescribing, ordering and dispensing these medicines, the supply process for cannabis-based treatments may take longer than that for standard medicines. This is also why an initial assessment and structured follow-up plan are essential parts to your care. 

The duration of treatment with cannabis-based medicines varies depending on the condition being managed and individual response to the medication.

Cannabis-based medicines may help alleviate symptoms of certain long-term conditions. If treatment is discontinued after proving beneficial, symptoms may return. Some patients require ongoing treatment, while others may use cannabis-based medicines intermittently based on symptom severity.

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.

The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on service providers to anticipate the needs of disabled individuals. However, it is not always possible to anticipate every scenario or agree to impromptu adjustments, such as vaping mid-task. 

Emerald recommends preplanning, review the relevant organisation’s equality policy and follow their process for requesting reasonable adjustments. If you need further information, these links define what a disability is within the context of legislation and what is deemed reasonable. Your prescribing clinic will be able to assist if you need more clarity and assistance understanding the current laws around cannabis-based medicines.

The link to the Equality Act 2010  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

 Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, https://www.equalityni.org/ReasonableAdjustments

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.

Consent to share information with your GP is a condition of service at Emerald. This ensures that all healthcare providers involved in your care are aware of the medications you are taking, promoting safe and coordinated treatment.

You can withdraw your consent to share information with your GP at any point during your treatment. However, if you do so, the medical team will reassess the risks of continuing to prescribe cannabis-based medicines to you.

Emerald healthcare professionals do not routinely report patient details to the DVLA regarding cannabis-based medicines.

The responsibility to inform the DVLA lies with the driver. It is a legal obligation to report any medical condition that might affect driving ability, as certain conditions or unstable health situations can impact holders of Group 1 and Group 2 licenses.

Healthcare professionals are only required to report individuals to the DVLA if there is a significant risk to public safety, not simply because a patient has been prescribed new medication.

There is no legal requirement to disclose a medical cannabis prescription to your employer. However, Emerald advises considering the following:

• Workplace Policies: Review your company’s policies, especially if you work in a safety-critical role.
• Drug Testing: Some employers have drug testing policies that require disclosure of prescribed medicines.
• Occupational Health Standards: Certain industries may have specific health standards related to medications or conditions.

Employers have a duty of care to ensure a safe working environment, and you have a responsibility to ensure your use of medical cannabis does not pose risks to yourself or others. If your prescription could impact work performance or safety, discussing it with your employer may be beneficial.

If your medication is part of treatment for a disability, you are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your condition. Disclosure may be necessary to access these protections.

Emerald can provide general information about medical cannabis to your employer, but details specific to your treatment would only be shared with your consent.

The detection of cannabis in drug tests depends on several factors, including the type of test, frequency and amount of cannabis used, and individual metabolism. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, accumulates in fat cells and may take longer to leave the body compared to other substances.

Approximate detection times for THC are:

• Urine Test: 3 to 30+ days
• Blood Test: 1 to 7+ days
• Saliva Test: 1 to 29 days
• Hair Test: Up to 90 days

More information can be found at drug.com using the link below 

https://www.drugs.com/lifestyle/how-long-does-marijuana-stay-in-system-333747/

These ranges vary due to individual differences and usage patterns. The presence of THC in your system does not necessarily indicate illegal use, especially if you have a valid prescription. 

Important considerations:

• Your prescription covers a one-month supply and should be used only as directed.
• Avoid requesting more medication than needed for symptom management within the prescribed period.
• Keep your medication securely stored in its original packaging and ensure you have access to a copy of your prescription.

The ability to travel with cannabis-based medicines depends on the laws of the country you are visiting and any countries you transit through. Emerald advises contacting the embassy of each destination and transit country to confirm, to ask about the legal status of prescribed cannabis medicines, the process for entry with your cannabis-based medicines, and also, the possible restrictions such as the quantity or form of cannabis-based medicines allowed.

Please ensure you do this as far in advance of your trip as possible as there may be applications to complete or documents you need to assemble. The Clinic will provide you with a letter confirming your treatment and we advise you to have a copy of this and your prescription to hand.

It is crucial to acknowledge that some countries have very stringent drug laws, where CBD is considered a controlled substance.  A list of foreign embassies in the UK is included in the link below 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk

When traveling, it’s important to plan for safe storage and insurance coverage for your medication:

• Secure storage: If possible, choose accommodation with a safe in the room to store your medicine securely.
• Temperature considerations: Check with a pharmacy about how to protect your cannabis-based medicine from extreme temperatures at your destination.
• Travel insurance: Consider purchasing insurance that covers the loss of prescription medication. Review the terms carefully to ensure you can claim the cost of a replacement.

Irradiated cannabis is exposed to ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, to eliminate microorganisms like bacteria, molds, and fungi. This process is often used to meet regulatory standards for microbial contamination control, ensuring the safety of cannabis for patients. It is similar to the irradiation of food products to extend shelf life and reduce pathogen risks.

Non-irradiated cannabis, on the other hand, does not undergo this process. Some proponents argue that non-irradiated cannabis retains its natural cannabinoid and terpene profiles, which may enhance flavor, aroma, and therapeutic properties.

Key Points of Debate:

• Support for Irradiation: Advocates highlight its ability to ensure safety by eliminating harmful microbes without compromising the beneficial properties of cannabis when properly regulated.
• Concerns About Irradiation: critics suggest that irradiation may alter cannabinoids and terpenes, potentially affecting the plant’s flavour, aroma, and therapeutic effects.

You may have a choice between irradiated and non-irradiated cannabis-based medicines, depending on factors like clinical risk and availability. Prescribers are required to conduct a clinical risk assessment before approving your preference, ensuring any potential risks are identified and discussed with you. 

This process is tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Beyond the risk assessment, the selection of an appropriate medicine will depend on availability and patient preference.