Bedrocan May 2026 Press Release

New Bedrocan® Concentrate Opens Up More Ways to Take Your Prescription – PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Industry News · Prescribing Options A trusted flower,now in a new form Bedrocan® — the world’s most prescribed pharmaceutical cannabis flower — is set to become available as a standardised extract concentrate for the first time. For patients, that could mean the same trusted medicine available in more ways than ever before. PatientsCann UK · Industry News · 19 May 2026 Jump to: What Is It? Formulations Why It Matters Timeline 20+ years of Bedrocan® pharmaceutical cannabis production trusted by doctors worldwide 70% THC concentration in the new Becanex PIEX Bedrocan® extract — preserving the full cannabinoid and terpene fingerprint 5+ preparation formats now possible from a single standardised concentrate, from capsules to inhalation 2026 Target launch date for pharmacy ordering across Europe, with Germany as the first market What Is It? The Bedrocan® flower you know — in concentrated form If you have been prescribed Bedrocan® flower, you will know it as one of the most consistent and well-studied pharmaceutical cannabis products available. Grown in EU-GMP-certified facilities in the Netherlands and Denmark by Bedrocan International, it has been the benchmark for standardised medical cannabis for more than two decades. Now, that same product is set to take a new form. Berlin-based extraction specialist Becanex GmbH has developed the Becanex PIEX Bedrocan® 70% THC Concentrate — an extract that, for the first time, brings the full cannabinoid and terpene fingerprint of the Bedrocan® flower into a standardised, pharmacist-ready concentrate. The extract is produced using Becanex’s proprietary PIEX (Plant-Identical Extraction) process, which is specifically designed to preserve what makes a particular cannabis strain therapeutically distinctive. In simpler terms: this is not a generic cannabis extract. It is Bedrocan® in a bottle — the same profile, in a versatile new format. What makes it different from other extracts? Many cannabis extracts are produced to isolate one or two cannabinoids — often just THC or CBD — and discard the rest. The PIEX method takes a different approach, retaining the full spectrum of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes in proportions that match the original flower. Becanex describes this as “a fingerprint” of the source material, and that precision matters clinically: the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes — sometimes called the entourage effect — is increasingly recognised as relevant to therapeutic outcomes. The result is a concentrate that is both highly potent (at 70% THC) and pharmacologically familiar to doctors and pharmacists who have already been prescribing Bedrocan® flower. “We have always been precise about how we grow our cannabis. Becanex is equally precise about how they extract it. That shared attention to detail is what makes this product worth putting in front of pharmacists, prescribers and patients. The concentrate now enables doctors to prescribe our main product Bedrocan® in multiple compounding formulations.” Jaap Erkelens — CEO, Bedrocan International Formulations More ways for pharmacists to prepare your medicine One of the most significant implications of this product for patients is flexibility. A standardised concentrate that sits in a pharmacy’s dispensary can be compounded into a wide range of preparation formats, tailored to what works best for each individual. The Becanex PIEX Bedrocan® concentrate is specifically designed for the following preparations: Oral solution Capsules Suppositories Topical forms Inhalation dosage Vaporisation What this means in practice for patients For patients currently prescribed Bedrocan® flower, this is particularly significant. If inhalation becomes difficult — whether due to respiratory concerns, lifestyle factors, or simply personal preference — a concentrated extract from the same strain could potentially be offered as an oral or capsule-based alternative, without switching to an entirely different product. The vaporisation option is also noteworthy: the concentrate can be vaporised directly, giving patients an additional inhalation route alongside the flower. This kind of flexibility within a single, consistent product profile is exactly the kind of development that helps both patients and prescribers make evidence-informed adjustments over time. It is important to note that any change to your prescription formulation must always be discussed with and authorised by your prescribing specialist. The availability of a new format does not mean your prescription changes automatically — it expands the options your clinician can consider for you. “Patients who have found a cannabis strain that works well for them shouldn’t have to compromise if they need it in a different form. With Bedrocan as our partner, we can now offer prescribers exactly that — building on a strain they already know and trust.” Sebastian Kamphorst — Director, Becanex GmbH Why It Matters Why standardisation matters for patients Consistency you can rely on One of the greatest frustrations for patients on prescribed cannabis is variability. A standardised extract — manufactured under GMP conditions from a named, controlled cultivar — reduces that uncertainty. You and your prescriber know what to expect. No need to start from scratch For patients and doctors who have already found that Bedrocan® works, this product preserves that relationship. Switching formulation format does not mean re-establishing which strain or cannabinoid profile is therapeutically appropriate. Pharmacist flexibility Compounding pharmacies are central to how many patients receive their prescribed cannabis. A concentrate designed specifically for compounding gives pharmacists more tools to prepare bespoke preparations that suit individual clinical needs. Germany first, Europe next Germany is the first market for the launch, which reflects its position as the most developed regulated medical cannabis market in Europe. UK patients should watch this development closely — it signals the direction of travel for product diversity across Europe. A decade in the making This collaboration is not simply a commercial arrangement — it has roots going back more than ten years. As early as 2014, the founding team behind Becanex worked with Bedrocan under a scientific licence to develop the first extracts from the Bedrocan® flower. At the time, the regulatory framework to bring such a product to market did not exist. Today, it does. Kamphorst reflects on this directly: the team is not

Landmark Ruling for Safety-Critical Role

A professional, clinical graphic featuring a silhouette of a person in a safety hard hat. Bold text reads "Safety-Critical Role Case Law," highlighting the landmark May 2026 ruling that shifted UK employment views on medical cannabis.

A medical cannabis patient who was banned from the rail industry for five years after testing positive for THC from his prescribed medication has won a significant victory at the Employment Appeal Tribunal. This ruling changes the legal landscape for every prescribed cannabis patient in safety-critical employment in the UK.

Prescription Direction in Medical Cannabis: Guidance for Clinicians and Patients

Prescription Direction in Medical Cannabis: Guidance for Clinicians and Patients – PatientsCann UK Skip to main content Education GMC Guidance Aligned CQC Standards Prescription Direction in Medical Cannabis:Guidance for Clinicians and Patients In the UK, most medical cannabis, legally termed cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs), is prescribed by specialists in the private sector. Issues around prescription direction, where patients are steered toward specific pharmacies or restricted product lists, have become critical ethical and professional considerations for the sector. PatientsCann UK · Education & Guidance · Published 23 March 2026 · ~6 min read GMC General Medical Council | Prescribing Standards Aligned with GMC guidance on cannabis-based products for medicinal use (2026) CQC Care Quality Commission Provider expectations for independent CBPM clinics Reviewed February 2026 Jump to Definition Legal Framework For Clinicians For Patients Summary References At a Glance Three principles that underpin this guidance Patient Owns the Prescription Once issued, a valid prescription belongs to the patient — not the clinic. Patients may take it to any appropriately registered pharmacy. Clinical Grounds Only Any direction toward a specific pharmacy or product must be clinically justified. Commercial or operational preferences are not sufficient grounds. Regulatory Accountability Independent CBPM clinics are regulated by the CQC. Professional conduct is subject to GMC oversight. Patients can raise concerns with either body. Definition What is “Prescription Direction”? Key Term ‘Prescription Direction’ refers to any practice in which a healthcare provider influences or obligates a patient to use a particular pharmacy or dispensing service, or restricts which products may be prescribed based on a clinic’s internal formulary rather than clinical considerations alone. For standard prescription-only medicines, and CBPMs alike, once a valid prescription is issued, the patient, not the issuing clinic or prescriber, owns the prescription and has the right to have it dispensed at any appropriate pharmacy. Professional guidance makes no provision for locking prescriptions to a particular dispensing outlet on non-clinical grounds. [1] This issue has grown in practical significance as the UK’s private medical cannabis sector has expanded. Patients, many managing chronic and complex conditions, must be able to access the most suitable products at pharmacies they can practically use and afford. Legal & Regulatory Framework Prescribing medical cannabis in the UK Who Can Prescribe GMC Specialist Register Only CBPMs (excluding those with a marketing authorisation like Sativex®) are predominantly unlicensed medicines. The law restricts their prescription to doctors on the GMC’s Specialist Register, acting within their area of competence. [3] Clinic Regulation Care Quality Commission Independent clinics prescribing CBPMs are regulated by the CQC, which requires clinical governance, prescriber competence, patient safety, informed consent, and compliance with controlled drugs legislation. [4] Pharmacy Supply Any Registered Pharmacy There is no single official UK “list” of pharmacies for CBPMs. Any pharmacy that is properly registered and complies with regulatory standards may dispense them once presented with a valid prescription. [5] Unlicensed Medicines and Clinical Responsibility Unlicensed medicines entail additional responsibilities for prescribers because they have not undergone the full range of regulatory assessments for safety, quality and efficacy. Prescribers must therefore be confident that the product is appropriate for the individual patient, and must explain to patients the unlicensed nature of the treatment as part of informed decision-making. [1][5] Shared Care Arrangements NHS England guidance confirms that while subsequent prescriptions may sometimes be made under shared care arrangements, initial prescriptions must be authorised by a specialist clinician. This reinforces the importance of maintaining robust clinical oversight throughout a patient’s CBPM treatment pathway. [2] Conflicts of Interest The CQC guidance confirms that providers must ensure prescribing decisions are clinically justified, appropriately documented, and made in the best interests of the patient, with systems in place to manage risk and avoid conflicts of interest. This includes ensuring that organisational or commercial arrangements do not compromise professional judgement or patient choice in prescribing or supply pathways. [4] For Clinicians Responsibilities for prescribing doctors Many private medical cannabis clinics operate internal formularies, lists of products they commonly prescribe based on clinician familiarity, supply arrangements, or existing protocols. There may be legitimate clinical reasons to prefer certain products (e.g. formulations with established pharmacological profiles or evidence bases). However, clinicians must never refuse to consider other products solely because they are not on an internal clinic list, without clinical reasoning. [1] Clinical judgement during prescribing must always focus on the patient’s individual needs rather than operational convenience or commercial preference. This is consistent with all prescribing guidance for individualised care. Do’s for Clinicians Respect patient choice of pharmacy — inform patients they may take their prescription to any appropriately registered pharmacy capable of dispensing CBPMs Provide balanced product information — discuss evidence, risks, benefits, and availability of relevant CBPMs to enable informed decision-making Explain formulary limits transparently — if prescribing experience is concentrated on certain products, clarify this and discuss why other products may be clinically appropriate Follow GMC prescribing standards — ensure decisions are based on clinical evidence and patient needs, not commercial relationships [1] Operate within CQC governance expectations — maintain transparency in prescribing practices and avoid commercial influence on clinical decision-making [4] Don’ts for Clinicians Do not require patients to use a particular pharmacy for non-clinical reasons Do not imply that prescriptions are “owned” by the clinic or that patients must dispense through a preferred partner Do not limit prescribing to products on an internal formulary if other products are clinically suitable and available Do not allow commercial arrangements with pharmacies or manufacturers to influence clinical prescribing choices Any practice that restricts patient choice on non-clinical grounds may undermine professional ethics and patient trust. For Patients Your rights as a CBPM patient Know Your Rights What you are entitled to You have the right to choose the pharmacy that dispenses your prescription, provided it is registered and authorised to supply controlled drugs and CBPMs [5] A prescription is your legal document, it may be taken to any suitable registered pharmacy Clinicians must explain the clinical basis for any recommended product, including risks and benefits, to support informed

PatientsCann UK Statement on NPCC Guidance for Policing Medical Cannabis Patients

PatientsCann UK: NPCC Policing Statement Statement Policing January 2026 PatientsCann UK Statement on NPCC Guidance for Policing Medical Cannabis Patients The NPCC has instructed forces to treat medicinal cannabis patients as “patients first, suspects second.” We welcome this, with important caveats about the gap between guidance and street-level reality. PatientsCann UK·Official Statement·7 January 2026 What the NPCC Guidance Says Officers should treat those in lawful possession as patients first, suspects second People with a valid prescription should be assumed to be patients until proven otherwise A Cancard is not legally required and its absence cannot be used against a patient Our Concerns Significant proportion of officers may still be unaware medical cannabis is legally prescribable Some forces lack internal training or up-to-date briefing materials Guidance on paper does not automatically become consistent street-level practice Why Guidance Is Not Enough Without Understanding It is an ongoing reality that many frontline officers still lack accurate awareness of the legal status of medical cannabis. Independent research has indicated that a significant proportion of officers may still be unaware that medical cannabis can be legally prescribed in the UK, even years after the law changed in 2018. Previous Freedom of Information responses showed that some police forces did not have internal training or up-to-date briefing materials on this subject, leaving officers to rely primarily on older Home Office circulars and personal discretion. This gap between policy and practice raises serious concerns. Unless officers are consistently aware of the legal framework, understand how to verify lawful possession, and are trained to apply the guidance, the lived experience of patients may not improve significantly. On Cancard: The Clarification That Was Needed The NPCC guidance confirms that a Cancard is not legally required for patients with a valid prescription, a vital clarification given the confusion that has surrounded this scheme. Cancard was originally introduced to assist officers in identifying individuals claiming medical need. However, it has always been a discretionary tool, not legal proof of lawful possession. Simply put: A card indicating intent or condition does not change the law. What matters is the prescription. Patients with a valid prescription from an appropriate specialist clinician are in lawful possession, with or without a card. PatientsCann UK’s Position We welcome this guidance as a meaningful step forward, but we call on the NPCC, individual forces, and the College of Policing to follow through with mandatory training, updated force policies, and a clear escalation route for patients who experience non-compliant policing. Guidance without enforcement infrastructure will not protect patients on the ground. PatientsCann UKUK’s Medical Cannabis Patient Organisation · patientscann.co.uk

Help Shape The Future of Medical Cannabis

PatientsCann UK — Help Shape the Future Call to Action DHSC Consultation October 2025 Help Shape the Future of Medical Cannabis The Department of Health and Social Care’s Call for Evidence on private prescribing is a rare opportunity to put patient voices at the heart of UK policy. Your experience is evidence — share it. PatientsCann UK·Advocacy·6 October 2025 Why This Matters The DHSC’s “Private (non-NHS) Prescribing: Call for Evidence” could influence how private prescribing works in the UK — including how cannabis-based medicines are accessed, regulated, and supported by clinicians. For thousands of patients, private prescriptions remain the only viable route to accessing the medicine they need. The review invites responses from clinicians, prescribers, pharmacists, healthcare organisations, and patient groups. While the questions are primarily aimed at professionals, it is crucial that patients and carers also share their experiences. Our Position PatientsCann UK believes this review must: Protect the right of patients to access regulated medical cannabis safely and affordably Promote fairness and consistency between NHS and private prescribing pathways Address stigma and empower clinicians to prescribe based on evidence, not fear Encourage more research, education, and evidence-based practice across the medical field For Patients & Carers Share how cannabis medicines have improved your health and quality of life Describe challenges with access, cost, or stigma Explain the reality of navigating private prescribing For Healthcare Professionals Describe prescribing barriers and clinical uncertainties you have encountered Highlight the need for evidence, education, and clearer NHS pathways Share examples of patient impact from restricted access How to Take Part Visit the GOV.UK Call for Evidence page and submit your response. You do not need to answer every question, but you must select Submit at the end for your response to count. Submit Your Evidence Note: This consultation is separate from the ACMD call for evidence on cannabis-based medicinal products. Both reviews are crucial, and we encourage responses to each. Together, they represent an unprecedented opportunity for patients to influence policy at the highest level. PatientsCann UKUK’s Medical Cannabis Patient Organisation · patientscann.co.uk

THCa is it legal?

PatientsCann UK — THCa — Is It Legal? Education Cannabinoids February 2025 THCa — Is It Legal in the UK? Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis. This guide explains its biochemistry, therapeutic potential, and — critically — its legal status in the United Kingdom. PatientsCann UK·Education·6 February 2025 · Updated March 2026 What Is THCa? THCa is the acidic precursor to THC found naturally in raw cannabis plants. In its unheated form it is non-psychoactive — it does not produce a “high.” The Critical Caveat When heated (smoking, vaping, cooking), THCa undergoes decarboxylation and converts into THC — gaining psychoactive properties. This conversion is legally significant. Therapeutic Potential Emerging research suggests THCa may offer several health benefits in its raw form: Anti-inflammatory properties: may reduce inflammation relevant to arthritis and other inflammatory diseases Neuroprotective effects: may protect nerve cells, with applications in neurodegenerative disorders Antiemetic benefits: may alleviate nausea and vomiting for patients undergoing chemotherapy or with chronic gastrointestinal conditions Legal Status in the UK The ACMD has addressed THCa’s control status in its consumer CBD report. While THCa in its raw state does not produce psychoactive effects, its potential to convert to THC on heating means it sits in a legally complex position under UK law. Important: The legal status of THCa in the UK is not straightforwardly settled. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, cannabis and its cannabinoids are controlled. THCa products sold outside of a legitimate prescription pathway carry significant legal risk. PatientsCann UK recommends patients only access cannabinoids via licensed clinics and regulated prescribers. Educational Disclaimer This article is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws change — always consult a qualified solicitor or your prescribing clinic for guidance specific to your situation. Mohammad Ismail “Ish” Wasway · Managing DirectorPatientsCann UK® · UK’s Medical Cannabis Patient Organisation · patientscann.co.uk