Introduction
Did you know that since November 2018, Medical Cannabis has been legal and available for private prescription in the UK?
Medical cannabis is now an accessible treatment option for patients in the UK, offering a potential alternative for individuals who have not found relief through traditional treatments. Since its legalisation in 2018, medical cannabis prescriptions are available through specialist doctors who assess individual patient needs. This treatment is typically considered when all other conventional methods of managing conditions have been exhausted.
Conditions that may benefit from medical cannabis treatment include:
- Pain conditions: chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, Ehlers Danlos syndromes, fibromyalgia, chronic regional pain syndrome, migraines, cluster headaches, neuropathic pain, palliative care.
- Psychiatric conditions: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Tourette’s syndrome, insomnia, anxiety, agoraphobia, depression.
- Cancer: cancer-related appetite loss, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, cancer-related pain, depression, palliative care.
- Gastrointestinal conditions: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Neurological conditions: epilepsy (adults and children), migraine, cluster headaches, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, Parkinson’s disease.
Unlike over-the-counter CBD products, which are often food-grade and limited in their cannabinoid content, medical cannabis prescribed through a doctor can contain both THC and CBD, as well as other naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The specific treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with clinical evidence supporting its need for each unique case.
Curaleaf Dispensaries
Curaleaf Dispensaries – Your Partner in Accessing Medical Cannabis in Scotland
Curaleaf Dispensaries are a growing network of independent pharmacies across the UK, including in Scotland, that are expertly equipped to dispense private medical cannabis prescriptions. These dispensaries work closely with patients to ensure they understand the eligibility criteria, the process of treatment, and the associated costs.
Our pharmacies dispense a variety of medical cannabis products, including UK-manufactured treatments that are both affordable and accessible, helping to meet the growing demand for medical cannabis treatment. As a fully trained Curaleaf Dispensary, we guide you through the entire process, from understanding eligibility to dispensing the right product for your condition.
Are you eligible for a consultation?
To access medical cannabis treatment in Scotland, patients must first be deemed eligible for a consultation by a prescribing clinic. Before undergoing a full assessment, Curaleaf Dispensaries offer a set of standard criteria to help determine your likelihood of eligibility:
- You must have tried at least two traditional forms of treatment for your condition.
- You must not be pregnant.
- You must not have a history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- You must be able to provide or grant access to your summary care record (SCR) from your GP.
- You must be aware that you will be paying for your appointments and prescriptions.
If you meet all of these standard criteria, it is highly likely you will be eligible for a consultation. However, a full referral to the prescribing clinic is required to confirm eligibility.
Understanding the costs
In Scotland, as with the rest of the UK, medical cannabis treatment is not currently covered by the NHS. As such, patients must pay for treatment through private clinics and pharmacies. It’s important to understand the costs associated with accessing medical cannabis, as they can vary based on your condition and individual needs.
Here’s an overview of the costs involved in the process:
- Initial Appointment: £50
- First Follow-Up Consultation: £0
- Repeat Prescription Fee: £0
- Quarterly Check-Up: £50
For some patients, once they move to two appointments per year (from year two onwards), the cost of clinic fees will decrease over time. The cost of prescriptions dispensed by Curaleaf Dispensaries depends on your condition and individual circumstances. To ensure you understand the cost of your treatment, speak with your local pharmacy for further details.
Refer to a medical cannabis clinic and claim your exclusive Curaleaf Dispensaries discount.
To access your first consultation with a medical cannabis clinic, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Begin by referring to a medical cannabis clinic through Curaleaf Dispensaries. Simply search for “Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy” or your local Curaleaf Dispensary and select the pharmacy where you would like to have your treatment dispensed from.
Click here to make an appointment
Step 2:
Your application will be reviewed, including the information from your summary care record (SCR). A decision will be made to determine whether you are eligible for an initial consultation.
Step 3:
If you’re eligible for an initial consultation, you’ll be invited to book your appointment and pay the reduced appointment fee.
Step 4:
Your consultation will take place via Zoom, allowing you to speak with a specialist clinician from the comfort of your home. During the consultation, the clinician will assess your needs and determine your suitability for medical cannabis treatment.
Step 5:
If you are deemed eligible for treatment, the clinic will issue a private prescription for medical cannabis, which will be dispensed at your selected pharmacy. You will be required to pay for the prescription at this stage.
Availability
To learn more about accessing medical cannabis in Scotland, visit your local Curaleaf Dispensary or contact them directly for more information. Our expert team is ready to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about eligibility, treatment, and costs.