Medical Cannabis Card - Do you need one as a UK patient?

If you're a legal medical cannabis patient in the UK, you might be wondering if you need a ‘card’ to verify your legal status if questioned by the police or other authorities.

Short answer: No! Before we dive deeper into this topic, it's important to understand the laws and regulations around verifying your status and identity as a medical cannabis patient.

If you are prescribed medical cannabis in the UK, here's all you need to verify your legality:

• A copy of your prescription (provided by your clinic, either digitally or physically with each issued prescription)
• Your original packaging, featuring a pharmacy label with your details 
• A form of ID (such as a driving licence or passport) to verify against the name on your prescription

And that’s it! You do not need any additional cards from a clinic or third-party company to verify your status as a legal patient when asked.

In this article, we will explore what exactly a 'medical cannabis card' is, why there’s confusion around them in the UK, and whether you need one (short answer: no, you don’t!).

What is a Medical Cannabis Card?

A medical cannabis card is a form of documentation used in some countries to verify an individual's medical cannabis status. 

Some countries use government or state-backed card systems like these to grant patients access to dispensaries or similar establishments, allowing them to purchase their medication directly.

In the UK, there are a few card schemes set up by third parties aimed at helping non-prescription holders verify their cannabis use as medicinal when questioned by authorities. However, these cards do not offer any real legal protection compared to having a medical cannabis prescription from a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf.

Do I Need a Medical Cannabis Card in the UK?

No, you do not need a medical cannabis card in the UK. All you need is a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, also sometimes referred to as a ‘medical cannabis clinic’.

To ensure that you can verify your status as a medical cannabis patient, patients should keep a copy of their prescription (either digitally or physically) when consuming their medication in public. It is also important to also keep cannabis medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label attached. This allows authorities, such as the police, to identify cannabis flower as prescribed medication that belongs to a patient.

Medical cannabis clinics can also support you in instances where you need further documentation to verify your legal status. This might be necessary with an employer or at an event where it’s essential to bring your medication with you.

Another common reason patients contact their clinic for additional documentation is when travelling abroad. Your clinic will be able to provide you with a travel letter, which you can use to verify your legality if questioned by airport security staff or foreign authorities - again, no card required!

If you ever have any additional questions about verifying your legal status as a patient, don't hesitate to contact your clinic for further guidance and assistance.

Understanding the Misconceptions Around Medical Cannabis Cards

Countries using card-based systems, such as the US, have likely influenced opinions worldwide, leading many to believe that similar verification systems are the standard approach for accessing medical cannabis.

This confusion has only grown as some third-party companies and even a few clinics in the UK have started offering "medical cannabis cards" - sometimes for free, sometimes for a fee - as an additional way to prove you’re a patient.

However, the existence of multiple card services offered by various providers can create confusion for police and other authorities. These cards often vary in appearance, style, and branding, which can lead to doubt and second-guessing when trying to verify your legality.

Besides, if you qualify for a lot of these ‘medical cannabis card’ schemes, it’s likely that you would also meet the medical cannabis eligibility criteria of having an unmet clinical need. In other words, you’ve been diagnosed with a condition, and the treatments you’ve been prescribed haven’t worked effectively or have caused unwanted side effects.

How can I get a prescription, if no card is required? 

Accessing a prescription for medical cannabis in the UK can sometimes seem overwhelming at first, but the process can be simple and stress-free. 

First, you need a confirmed diagnosis from a GP for your condition – for instance, ADHD and must have been offered two different treatments for this condition. Depending on your condition, this might be medication, physio, surgery or talking therapy. 

Some licensed clinics, like Alternaleaf, offer a free questionnaire to determine your eligibility, allowing you to find out if you qualify before you book your first appointment.

Here’s a breakdown of the next steps in the UK medical cannabis prescription process:

• Once you’ve checked your eligibility and booked an appointment with a private cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf, you will need to get a copy of your medical records from your NHS GP. You can request these via telephone, email or in person.

• After you have submitted your medical records to the clinic, you will have an online appointment with a specialist doctor who will ask you about your condition, treatments and previous cannabis experience in order to tailor a prescription for your condition.

• When your prescription is ready, you can purchase your prescribed medication online and it will be delivered straight to your home.

Your clinic will guide you on how to request and order your next month’s prescription. Most clinics require a follow-up appointment the month after your initial consultation. After this, you will typically move to quarterly appointments and can request repeat prescriptions in the months in between.

Finding a Specialist for Medical Cannabis

Looking for the right specialist for your condition? Many clinics specialise in a variety of conditions and have consultants in psychiatry, pain management, neurology, and sometimes other areas too. 

However, not all clinics offer specialists in every field. So, it's important to check with the clinic you're considering to make sure they treat the specific condition and symptoms you want to address.

You can find more about our specialists at Alternaleaf by visiting our medical team page.

Summary

• In the UK, a medical cannabis card is not required to verify your prescription. To confirm your legal status, you simply need your prescription, original medication packaging, and a form of ID.

• If you need additional documentation, such as for employment or travel, your clinic can assist you. They can also provide a travel letter for international trips.

• Confusion often arises from card-based systems used in other countries, but in the UK, these cards do not offer extra legal protection compared to a prescription from a licensed clinic.

• To obtain a prescription, you need a confirmed diagnosis from a GP and must have tried at least two other treatments. Some clinics, like Alternaleaf, offer free eligibility assessments before booking an appointment.