What Happens at a Medical Cannabis Consultation?

What Happens at a Medical Cannabis Consultation?

A medical cannabis consultation is a clinical assessment, not a sales appointment and not a guaranteed route to a prescription.

The specialist needs to understand:

• The condition being treated
• How it affects daily life
• Which treatments have already been tried
• Whether the possible benefits of treatment outweigh the risks for that individual

The appointment may take place remotely by secure video or, where needed, in person.

A patient may be asked to complete forms and provide medical records beforehand, but the consultation should include a proper two way discussion with a qualified clinician.

The short answer

During a medical cannabis consultation, the clinician will usually review:

• Your identity and personal details
• The condition or symptoms for which you are seeking help
• How long the problem has been present
• How it affects sleep, mobility, work and daily activities
• Treatments you have already tried
• Medicines, supplements and allergies
• Relevant physical and mental health history
• Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other substance use
• Your treatment goals and expectations
• Possible benefits, uncertainties and risks
• Side effects, interactions, driving and safe storage
• What monitoring and follow up would involve

The clinician may decide that treatment is appropriate, request more records or tests, discuss a different option, refer the case for further review or decide that medical cannabis is not suitable.

Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?

Cannabis based products for medicinal use have been available through a legal prescribing route in the UK since November 2018.

These products remain controlled medicines.

Unlicensed cannabis based medicinal products can only be prescribed or directed by a doctor on the General Medical Council Specialist Register when clinically appropriate.

The law did not legalise:

• General possession
• Recreational use
• Smoking cannabis

A product must meet the legal definition of a cannabis based product for medicinal use and be supplied through the proper route.

What is the purpose of the consultation?

The purpose is to decide whether a particular treatment could safely and appropriately meet the patient's needs.

GMC prescribing standards require a doctor to:

• Have adequate knowledge of the patient's health
• Obtain a suitable history
• Establish a dialogue
• Make sure there is enough reliable information to provide safe care

The consultation is therefore designed to answer several questions:

• Is there a clear condition or symptom to assess?
• Has the diagnosis been supported by reliable medical information?
• Which established treatments have been tried?
• Did those treatments help, cause side effects or prove unsuitable?
• Are there medical, psychiatric or medicine related risks?
• What does the patient hope treatment will improve?
• Can the treatment be monitored safely?
• Is medical cannabis a reasonable option compared with the alternatives?

A patient's preference matters, but it does not replace the clinician's independent judgement.

What happens before the appointment?

The clinic may ask the patient to complete an initial questionnaire and identity check before meeting the specialist.

Information requested may include:

• Full name, date of birth and contact details
• Photographic identification
• GP details
• Diagnosed conditions
• Main symptoms
• Current medicines
• Previous treatments
• Allergies or adverse reactions
• Recent medical letters or test results
• Consent to request or share relevant records

This information helps the clinician prepare, but a form does not make the prescribing decision.

If important information is missing or cannot be verified, the appointment may need to be delayed while records are obtained.

Will the clinic need your medical records?

Often, yes.

The exact requirements vary according to the condition, treatment and clinic.

Relevant records may include:

• A GP summary
• Specialist clinic letters
• Diagnosis reports
• Imaging or laboratory results
• A current repeat medication list
• Hospital discharge letters
• Records of previous treatments and their outcomes

Records help confirm the diagnosis, identify medicine interactions and show which standard treatments have already been considered.

GMC guidance says a clinician must consider whether the available information is sufficient and reliable.

If the patient does not consent to appropriate information sharing and this creates a safety risk, the clinician may be unable to proceed.

What will the specialist ask about your symptoms?

The clinician will normally ask for a clear description of the problem rather than relying only on the name of a diagnosis.

Questions may cover:

• When the symptoms began
• How often they occur
• How severe they are
• What makes them better or worse
• Sleep and fatigue
• Mobility and physical activity
• Mood and concentration
• Ability to work, study or care for others
• Effect on relationships and quality of life
• Previous investigations
• Any recent change in symptoms

For pain, for example, the specialist may ask:

• Where the pain is felt
• What it feels like
• Whether it spreads
• Which activities are limited

A patient seeking help with another condition will be asked questions relevant to that condition.

The aim is to identify realistic outcomes that can later be reviewed.

Why are previous treatments important?

Medical cannabis is not usually considered in isolation from the treatments a patient has already received.

The specialist may ask:

• Which medicines have been tried
• The dose and duration where known
• Whether they were taken as directed
• What benefit they produced
• Which side effects occurred
• Why treatment was stopped
• Whether physical therapy, psychological support, procedures or other approaches were tried

Not every patient needs to have tried every possible treatment.

However, the clinician needs enough information to understand why a cannabis based option is being considered and whether a licensed or more established treatment could meet the same need.

Will they ask about current medicines?

Yes. Bring or provide a complete and current list.

This should include:

• Prescription medicines
• Medicines bought from a pharmacy or shop
• Vitamins and supplements
• Herbal products
• Medicines obtained online
• Occasional treatments such as sleeping tablets or strong pain relief

CBD and THC can affect how some other medicines work.

Other treatments may also increase:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Problems with concentration

Do not leave a medicine off the list because it is only taken occasionally or because it was not prescribed by the GP.

Will mental health be discussed?

Yes. This is a normal and important part of a safe assessment.

The specialist may ask about:

• Anxiety and depression
• Panic attacks
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychosis, hallucinations or paranoia
• Suicidal thoughts or self harm
• Previous psychiatric treatment
• Family history of serious mental illness
• Current mental health support

The NHS notes that THC containing products may carry risks including psychosis and dependence, with greater THC exposure generally linked to greater risk.

A mental health history does not necessarily produce the same decision for every patient.

The specialist considers:

• The diagnosis
• Current stability
• Previous episodes
• Medicines
• Support
• Individual level of risk

Answering honestly protects the patient. Withholding relevant information can make treatment unsafe.

Will they ask about previous cannabis use?

Usually.

The discussion should be factual rather than judgemental.

The clinician may ask about:

• Previous prescribed or non prescribed cannabis use
• How often it was used
• The route of use
• Perceived benefits
• Unwanted effects
• Anxiety, panic, paranoia or memory problems
• Tolerance or needing increasing amounts
• Difficulty reducing or stopping
• Use of other substances

Previous cannabis use does not itself prove that a prescribed product will be safe, effective or appropriate.

Equally, someone does not normally need previous cannabis experience to attend a consultation.

The specialist needs accurate information to assess response, dependency risk and the possibility of interactions or harm.

What other health information may be discussed?

Depending on the person and proposed treatment, the clinician may ask about:

• Heart or circulation problems
• Fainting or low blood pressure
• Liver or kidney conditions
• Seizures
• Allergies
• Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Breathing conditions
• Falls or balance problems
• Memory or cognitive difficulties
• Vulnerability or safeguarding concerns

The clinician may also consider age, general health and whether a physical examination or tests are needed.

A remote appointment is not suitable for every situation.

What treatment goals will be discussed?

Useful goals are specific enough to review later.

Examples might include:

• Fewer nights disturbed by symptoms
• Being able to walk or sit for longer
• Reducing the frequency of a particular symptom
• Completing more normal daily activities
• Improving function at work or home
• Reducing distress caused by symptoms

The goal should not automatically be complete symptom removal.

The clinician may explain:

• What level of improvement would be meaningful
• How long a trial would last
• What would cause treatment to be changed
• What would cause treatment to be stopped

Does paying for a consultation guarantee a prescription?

No.

A consultation fee pays for the clinical assessment and professional time.

It does not buy a prescription.

Possible outcomes include:

• The specialist considers treatment appropriate
• More medical records are required
• Another investigation or clinical opinion is needed
• A different treatment should be considered first
• The risks currently outweigh the likely benefits
• Medical cannabis is not suitable

A safe clinic should be willing to say no when treatment is not clinically appropriate.

Will a prescription be issued during the first appointment?

Not necessarily.

The specialist may need to:

• Verify the diagnosis
• Review GP or hospital records
• Clarify current medicines
• Obtain test results
• Discuss the case with another clinician
• Arrange a separate prescribing review
• Confirm that follow up can be provided safely

Even when treatment is considered appropriate, the prescription, pharmacy checks and dispensing process are separate stages.

The medicine should not be treated as approved until the responsible specialist has completed the assessment and made the decision.

What will be explained if treatment is considered?

The specialist should explain the proposed plan in a way the patient can understand.

This may include:

• Why the treatment is being considered
• Whether the product is licensed or unlicensed for the proposed use
• The limits of the available evidence
• Expected benefits and uncertainty
• Common and serious side effects
• Possible interactions with other medicines
• How the medicine would be used
• The starting dose and adjustment plan
• When to contact the clinic
• Monitoring and follow up arrangements
• Circumstances in which treatment would be reduced or stopped

GMC guidance requires patients to receive enough information to make an informed decision.

When an unlicensed medicine is proposed, the clinician must take responsibility for the decision and ensure appropriate monitoring and follow up are in place.

What side effects might be discussed?

Side effects depend on the product, formulation, dose and individual.

The NHS lists possible effects including:

• Dizziness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Feeling sick
• Diarrhoea
• Changes in appetite
• Mood or behavioural changes
• Feeling high
• Hallucinations
• Suicidal thoughts

The specialist may explain which symptoms:

• Are expected to settle
• Require contact with the clinic
• Need urgent medical help

Seek urgent medical help for a severe reaction, serious breathing difficulty, collapse, severe confusion, hallucinations that create immediate danger or thoughts of harming yourself.

Call 999 when there is an immediate risk to life.

Suspected side effects can also be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, but this does not replace speaking to the clinical team.

Will driving and work be discussed?

They should be considered, particularly when the proposed medicine may cause:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Slower reactions
• Impaired concentration

Tell the clinician if you:

• Drive regularly
• Operate machinery
• Work at height
• Have a safety critical job
• Care for children or vulnerable adults
• Have workplace drug testing

A prescription does not permit someone to drive while impaired.

The exact driving law differs in Northern Ireland from the statutory drug limits and medical defence used in Great Britain, but impairment remains unsafe and can still lead to enforcement action.

Patients should follow:

• The prescriber's advice
• The dispensing label
• Any workplace safety requirements

How is prescribed medical cannabis used?

The route depends on the prescribed product.

The specialist and dispensing pharmacy should explain how it is prepared and used.

Smoking cannabis or a cannabis based medicinal product remains prohibited under the UK framework.

A patient should not change the prescribed:

• Route
• Dose
• Schedule

without clinical advice.

Do not use a prescription as permission to possess other cannabis products.

The protection relates to the medicine that was lawfully prescribed and dispensed for that patient.

What happens after a prescription decision?

If treatment is prescribed, the normal process may include:

1. The specialist records the clinical decision and treatment plan.
2. A lawful prescription is sent through the clinic's approved process.
3. The dispensing pharmacy checks the prescription.
4. The pharmacy contacts the patient about payment or delivery where applicable.
5. The medicine is dispensed with a patient specific label and instructions.
6. The patient follows the agreed dose and monitoring plan.
7. A follow up consultation reviews benefit, side effects and safety.

The exact process and timescale vary.

A clinic should explain which organisation is responsible for:

• The consultation
• Prescribing
• Dispensing
• Follow up

What happens at follow up appointments?

Follow up is part of treatment, not an optional extra.

The clinician may review:

• Change in the target symptoms
• Daily function and quality of life
• Sleep
• Side effects
• Mood and mental health
• Adherence to the prescribed plan
• Use of alcohol, cannabis or other substances
• Changes to other medicines
• Driving or work concerns
• Blood tests or other monitoring where required
• Whether the dose or product remains appropriate

NICE guidance states that the specialist initiating a cannabis based medicinal product should also be involved in monitoring, evaluation and dose adjustment.

Treatment should continue only when the balance of benefit and risk remains acceptable.

Will your GP be informed?

The specialist may ask for consent to obtain information from the GP and to share relevant details after the assessment.

GMC guidance says that a clinician who is not the patient's regular doctor should normally ask for consent to:

• Contact the GP when more information is needed
• Share information after the episode of care

This supports safe prescribing by reducing the risk of:

• Interactions
• Duplicate treatment
• Important information being missed

If a patient refuses information sharing, the clinician should explain the risks.

Where the missing information creates a patient safety concern, treatment may not be able to proceed.

How does the Keltoi medical cannabis pathway work?

Keltoi supports the initial information gathering, identity verification and referral pathway.

The process may include:

1. The patient submits an enquiry and completes the required onboarding information.
2. Identity and contact details are checked.
3. The information is reviewed to understand whether a specialist assessment may be appropriate.
4. Further information or medical records may be requested.
5. Where appropriate, the patient is referred to an independent specialist medical cannabis clinic.
6. The specialist clinic conducts its own clinical assessment and makes any prescribing decision.

Keltoi does not guarantee that a referred patient will receive medical cannabis.

The independent specialist is responsible for:

• Assessing suitability
• Choosing any treatment
• Setting the dose
• Arranging clinical monitoring

The patient's stated preference is information for the clinician. It is not clinical approval.

How should you prepare for the appointment?

Before the consultation:

• Check that the clinic has your correct contact details
• Complete requested forms honestly
• Have photographic identification available
• Provide requested medical records
• Make a complete list of medicines and supplements
• Note previous treatments and why they stopped
• Write down the main symptoms and their effect on daily life
• Think about two or three realistic treatment goals
• Prepare questions about risks, evidence, cost and follow up
• Join from a private place with a reliable connection if the appointment is online

Do not stop current treatment or use non prescribed cannabis to prepare for the consultation.

Useful questions to ask the specialist

Patients may wish to ask:

• What information supports the diagnosis?
• Why are you considering this treatment?
• What are the realistic benefits?
• What are the main risks for me?
• Is the proposed medicine licensed for this use?
• Could it interact with my current medicines?
• How will treatment be monitored?
• What should I do if side effects occur?
• When should I avoid driving or work activities?
• Who should I contact between appointments?
• What are the consultation, prescribing and pharmacy costs?
• What would make you change or stop the treatment?

A good consultation should leave enough time for the patient to ask questions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a medical cannabis consultation take?

Appointment length varies between clinics and according to the complexity of the case.

The important point is that the clinician has enough time and information to make an adequate assessment and answer questions.

Can the consultation happen online?

Yes.

A remote consultation may be appropriate when:

• Identity can be verified
• A proper two way discussion is possible
• The clinician has enough reliable information

An in person assessment may be needed when examination, testing or another safeguard is required.

Is an online questionnaire enough?

A questionnaire can collect useful information but should not replace the clinical dialogue needed for a safe prescribing decision.

GMC guidance warns against remote prescribing systems that rely on a questionnaire without a way for the clinician and patient to communicate properly.

Do I need a formal diagnosis?

The specialist needs reliable information about the condition being treated.

If the diagnosis is unclear or unsupported, more records, tests or another medical opinion may be required before a decision can be made.

Do I need to have tried other treatments?

Previous treatment is an important part of the assessment.

The clinician will consider:

• What has been tried
• Whether it was taken for an adequate period
• The outcome
• Whether another established option could meet the patient's needs

Will previous recreational cannabis use prevent treatment?

Not automatically in every case, but it is clinically relevant.

The specialist will consider:

• Frequency
• Dependence
• Unwanted effects
• Current use
• Overall risk

Be honest about it.

Can I ask for a particular product?

You can explain your experience and preferences, but the specialist is not required to prescribe a requested product.

The final decision must be based on clinical suitability and safety.

What happens if I am not suitable?

The clinician should explain the decision and may recommend:

• Obtaining further information
• Considering another treatment
• Speaking to the GP
• Seeking a second opinion

Paying for the consultation does not create a right to a prescription.

Will I need regular reviews?

Yes, if treatment begins.

The frequency depends on:

• The medicine
• The condition
• Stability
• The clinic process

Reviews assess effectiveness, side effects, dose, interactions and whether treatment should continue.

Can I travel with prescribed medical cannabis?

Do not assume that a UK prescription is accepted abroad.

Every destination has its own controlled drug rules.

This includes crossing from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland.

What to remember

A medical cannabis consultation is a detailed assessment of:

• Need
• Evidence
• Previous treatment
• Risk
• Safety

It is not simply a discussion about which cannabis product someone wants.

The specialist may:

• Prescribe
• Request more information
• Recommend another approach
• Decide that treatment is not suitable

If treatment begins, monitoring and follow up are essential parts of safe care.

Prepare by providing:

• Accurate medical records
• A complete medicine list
• A clear account of how symptoms affect daily life

Be open about mental health, previous cannabis use, driving and other safety concerns.

Sources

• NHS: Medical cannabis
• nidirect: Medicinal cannabis
• Department of Health Northern Ireland: Cannabis based medicinal products available in NI
• GOV.UK: Rescheduling of cannabis based products for medicinal use
• GMC: Deciding if it is safe to prescribe
• GMC: Prescribing unlicensed medicines
• GMC: Remote prescribing principles
• NICE: Cannabis based medicinal products
• MHRA: Yellow Card Scheme

Last updated: 21 August 2026

Medical disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation or guarantee of a prescription. Medical cannabis is a controlled medicine and may not be suitable for everyone. Speak to an appropriately qualified clinician about your circumstances. Call 999 in a medical emergency.