Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal?

No. In the U.K., since November 2018, Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products have been legal for patients having the product prescribed by a Specialist Consultant, where other treatments have been ineffective.



Am I eligible?

Patients can get in touch with Cannabis Clinic Cardiff for a FREE eligibility assessment. Patients must have an eligible mental health condition and have had a trial of at least 2 traditional therapies to book an initial appointment.



How do I get an appointment?

Appointments will be booked directly with Cannabis Clinic Cardiff once the FREE eligibility assessment has taken place and the medical history has been verified. Appointments can be either in person at Cyncoed Consulting Rooms or Virtually, dependent on need.



What if I have never used cannabis?

The Clinicians at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff have training in prescribing Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) for people with mental health disorders, whether they have prior experience with cannabis or not. Each person is an individual and responses to CDMPs will be monitored. The underlying philosophy is 'Start Low and Go Slow' for all patients.



What if I am an experienced cannabis user?

The Clinicians at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff have training in prescribing Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) for people with mental health disorders whether they have prior experience with cannabis or not. Each person is an individual and responses to CDMPs will be monitored. The underlying philosophy is 'Start Low and Go Slow' for all patients.



Will I be prescribed medical cannabis?

Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) will be prescribed where patients are eligible and the treatment is agreed with the specialist clinician as appropriate. CDMPs come in the form of infused oils (taken sub-lingually/orally) and cannabis flowers (vaporised).



How long will it take to work?

Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) have their peak effects within 30 minutes (if vaporised) or up to 2 hours (orally). Longer term effects will be monitored, as well as any side-effects.



How will my symptoms be monitored?

Monitoring of response to CDMPs (if prescribed) will primarily be via clinician appointments at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff. Patients enrolled in the Project TWENTY21 registry also document their symptoms using structured assessment scales via the electronic, 'SAIL' system. Active real-time monitoring can also be completed using an app on mobile devices and discussed with your clinician at your appointment.



What happens if it does not work?

The Clinicians at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff have training in prescribing Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs). Each person is an individual and responses to CDMPs will be monitored. If you feel that the present prescription is not working, or has stopped working, it is important to discuss this with your clinician.



What should I do if I get side effects?

The Clinicians at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff have training in prescribing Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs). Each person is an individual and responses to CDMPs will be monitored. If you feel that you are having side effects from the prescription, it is important to discuss this with your clinician. Side effects can also be registered via the 'Yellow Card' scheme. This will also be discussed in you initial appointment.



How much will I be prescribed?

Prescriptions for Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) are despensed on a monthly basis. The amount prescribed will be discussed with the prescribing clinician at your appointments.



How much will it cost?

Costs for Private Medical appointments with Cannabis Clinic Cardiff are detailed on the website. Costs for the Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) (if prescribed) depend on the the current price at the relevant pharmacy. See Useful LINKS for details of websites with this information.



Where will I get the product(s) from?

Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) (if prescribed) can be purchased from a pharmacy as soon as the prescription has been forwarded to them from Cannabis Clinic Cardiff. These are typically specialist online pharmacies that will arrange delivery via courier. It is worth noting that not all pharmacies stock all products and not all products are always in stock.



How long does it take to get a prescription?

The FREE eligibility assessment will involve you getting a copy of your Summary of Care record from your GP detailing your diagnosis and history of treatments tried. This may take several weeks. A summary letter from your relevant hospital specialist would also be acceptable, but may take longer. If screened as eligible, a mutually convenient appointment will be booked for an initial assessment by a Specialist Consultant. This may vary dependent on advance booking schedlues. Once the initial consultultation has been completed, the Specialist must discuss the case with another Specialist to agree the prescription is appropriate. Specialists meet weekly and will issue your prescription at the earliest opportunity. If agreed, the Specialist will send the prescription to the nominated pharmacy, instructing them to dispense the medication. The patient would receive the medication (via courier) as soon as this has been processed, assuming the specific CDMP is in stock.



What happens if the product is out of stock at the pharmacy?

Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) are unlicensed medications, individually prescribed on a named-patient basis. This means that the prescription cannot be altered once it has been issued and the cannot be dispensed until the product is back in stock. Clinicians at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff will ensure that they have up to date information on stock levels if prescribing is appropriate. Should a stock issue arise in between prescription and dispensing, it is advisable to contact Cannabis Clinic Cardiff to discuss options. A further appointment may be necessary.



Will it interact with my other medications?

The Clinicians at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff have training in prescribing Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs), including interactions with other medications. It is important to ensure that medical professionals invovled in your care (either at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff or elsewhere) are aware of your up to date medications to minimise risks and side effects.



Will it affect my other (physical and mental) health conditions?

Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) may be trialled in the treatent of a variety of physical and mental health conditions. When prescribed by a clinician at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff, your medical history will have been assessed and any issues highlighted. It is important to feedback to your medical professionals any concerns you have or symptoms you experience.



Is it addictive?

The legal, medical use of Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) is rarely associated with dependence or addiction. Some people do report a discontinuation syndrome when stopping CDMPs however, with insomnia and irritability. Caution would be used when considering a trial of a medical prescription of a CDMP for someone with a history of recreational cannabis use dependency.



Can I use it whilst pregnant or breastfeeding?

As with most medications, it is not advisable to take any Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Product (CDMP) if pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. Feel free to discuss your specific situation with clinicians at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff, as well as any other medical professionals involved in your care.



Can I still use ‘black market’ cannabis?

Cannabis obtained outside of a Specialist Prescription continues to be illegal, even if you are also having prescribed Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs). The quality, safety and consistency of these products is undetermined and may complicate titration and monitoring during your appointments. Cannabis Clinic Cardiff would always wish to preserve the doctor-patient relationship and advise that all medical cannabis use is disclosed, irrespective of the source.



Will I feel intoxicated?

Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) contain many hundreds of chemical compounds, the most familiar being cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Different CDMPs contain differing amounts of these elements. CBD is non-intoxicating and does not impair cognitive or motor functioning. THC can be psychoactive and at higher doses, can acutely impair functioning. The method of administration is also relvant, with inhaled High-THC CDMPs causing a more rapid onset (and recovery), but sub-lingual/oral High-THC CDMPs having a delayed onset but longer duration of action.



What should I do if I have concerns or questions about my treatment?

It is advisable to write down any questions you have in regard to Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) to bring along to Cannabis Clinic Cardiff, when you have your appointment. Questions can also be sent in advance of an appointment and may be answered directly. You may also find answers to your questions by linking in with a Medical Cannabis support group in your area (or online).



How do I get repeat prescriptions?

Repeat prescriptions are to be requested form Cannabis Clinic Cardiff on a monthly basis, with follow up appointments booked in at a minimum of quarterly. Prescriptions cannot be changed without an appointment with a Specialist Clinican, so the repeat will need to be exactly the same as the previous prescription. The prescription will be forwarded to the agreed pharmacy for you to purchase your Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs). It is advisable to request a repeat prescription at least 1 week prior to your medication running out to ensure a consistent supply.



How do I get informed of my follow up appointments?

Follow up appointments will be booked at the end of your Cannabis Clinic Cardiff appointment. It is advisable to have your diary on-hand! Should the date need to be changed by either party, this will be by mutual agreement. Repeat prescriptions will not be supplied where follow-up appointments have not been organised within a reasonable time-frame. As unlicensed, 'specials' medications, Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) require regular monitoring.



Will I still get my prescription if I am unable to attend my follow-up appointment?

Repeat prescriptions will not be supplied where follow-up appointments have not been organised within a reasonable time-frame. As unlicensed, 'specials' medications, Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) require regular monitoring. Should there be any concerns or extenuating circumstances, we advise you to contact Cannabis Clinic Cardiff to discuss.



Do you have to inform my GP?

Cannabis Clinic Cardiff advise you to be open about your use of medications to all healthcare professionals invovled with your treatment. We therefore strongly advise you to inform your GP and we are happy to write official letters detailing your progress. Without this information, your GP (or Cannabis Clinic Cardiff) are unable to provide you with optimal care, avoiding risks, side-effects and interactions. It is your choice to opt-out of this contact, however, if you so wish. Cannabis Clinic Cardiff will always respect your right to confidentiality (unless doing so would place you or others at risk of significant harm, as per medical ethics).



What should I tell my Family?

You are under no obligation to inform your family of your medication regime. The social stigma around illicit cannabis use can unfortunately transfer to Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs). This stigma remains, but is reducing and hopefully, with greater awareness and education of the potential medical uses, this will be further normalised in the coming years.



What should I tell my work?

You are under no obligation to tell your work about your medical prescriptions, unless this is required due to your profession. Certain occupations or tasks require that employees do not take any medications that might interfere with their judgement or physical skills. It is therefore important to discuss your exact requirements with your prescribing clincian at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff. Some occupations also 'drug-test' for illegal substances. As a legal, prescribed medicine, Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) should be accepted as a mitigating factor. It is advisable to discuss this with your employer should this be the case and, if necessary, contact Cannabis Clinic Cardiff and/or Medical Cannabis Support Groups (locally or online) for advice.



What happens if I am stopped by the police in possession of my prescription?

As a legally prescribed medication, you are breaking no laws when in posession of the Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Product (CDMP) or when using it as advised by your clinician. The difficulties that the police face when trying to distinguish a prescribed medical user from a non-prescribed user (medical or otherwise) is understandable. Cannabis Clinic Cardiff advise patience and collaboration with police when discussing your prescription. We advise that the CDMP is carried in the original packaging and a copy of the prescription is carried with you in order to easily identify yourself as a legal medical user. Without these items identifying you as a medical user, proving your use is legal will be more problematic.



Can I smoke or cook with my prescription?

The prescribed Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) must only be used in accordance with the prescribing clincian's guidance for it to remain a legal medicine. Smoking (anything) is not advised due to the potential for harm from carcinogens. Cooking with CDMPs can have unpredictable effects and is also not advised, not to mention the potential for inadvertent ingestion by people other than the individual prescribed the product.



What should I do to dispose of residual product?

As a used/unwanted medical product (e.g. vaped cannabis flower), Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) should be disposed of in accordance with existing regulations, via community pharmacies.



Where can I get more information on Medicinal Cannabis?

There are many sources of information on medical cannabis online, however negotiating this vast volume can be daunting. 'Useful LINKS' has some starting points and guidance can also be had from your clinician at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff.



Are there any Medicinal Cannabis patient support groups?

There are many medical cannabis support groups online and frequently in your locality. 'Useful LINKS' has some starting points and guidance can also be had from your clinician at Cannabis Clinic Cardiff.



What if I want to change to another cannabis clinic?

You are entitled to change clinics without giving any reason why and Cannabis Clinic Cardiff is happy to transfer your medical record and treatment history over to your new clinic. Should you wish to discuss any reasons for your change with us please get in touch.



What happens if Cannabis Clinic Cardiff is no longer able to see me?

In the event that Cannabis Clinic Cardiff is unable to contiue seeing you (for whatever reason - but please note our Zero-Tolerace Policy for abusive behaviour), we are happy to facilitate your transfer to another clinic, at your request.



What if I want to raise a concern or make a complaint?

While Cannbis Clinic Cardiff will do their utmost to provide a professional, efficient service, there may be occasion where we have not performed at the expected standard. If you feel that this is the case, we would welcome contact with us directly to investigate and address any shortcomings. Should this prove unsatisfactory for you, details of the process to express a more serious concern or make a formal complaint are detailed in our Complaints Policy.



What should I do if I lose my medicine or it is stolen?

Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) remain controlled substances. Outside of their possession and directed use by the individual prescribed the medication, they remain illegal. Loss or theft of the CDMP should result in the police and Cannabis Clinic Cardiff being notified of the loss. Repeat prescriptions will not usually be issued.



What will I be prescribed?

For eligible patients, who have agreed a trial of Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products (CDMPs) with their specialist consultant, Cardiff Cannabis Clinic (CCC) follows the mantra of; 'Start Low, Go Slow'. Patients are individuals and even with prior experience of cannabis use, the effects may be unexpected. CDMP products, if prescribed, will typically be Oils in the first instance, possibly with Flowers, if indicated. There are a numerous CDMP brands with varying constituents, but CBD and THC content are typically high on the priority list for making a choice. The other consituents also have a large impact on medical use, however and this is known as the 'Entourage Effect'. There is presently insufficient evidenece to recommend any particular brand for a particular condition, however details of the latest reseach and evidence will be discussed with you at your CCC appointment. Some patients go through a process of 'trial and error' to find the product that suits them and alleviates their condition best. Cannabis Clinic Cardiff is not affiliated with any CDMP production company, importer or pharmacy. This gives them complete freedom to evaluate all products equally and without any bias.



Who are Cannabis Clinic Cardiff?

Cannabis Clinic Cardiff (CCC) are a clinician-led medical cannabis assessment service, placing the patient and their experience central to the process. CCC is made up of a small group of clinicians who believe it is the right of a patient to have access to assessments for any medicine that might ease their suffering. It is the hope of the clinicians at CCC that Cannabis-Derived Medicinal Products will be available through the NHS on an equitable basis for all those in need.



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