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.
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.
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.
