Medical cannabis in Wales: how to access treatment
7 min read
Sarah Sinclair
Challenges like record-high waiting lists and the rising prevalence of chronic conditions are prompting interest in alternative treatment options, including medical cannabis.
In this blog, we answer some frequently asked questions and provide a step-by-step guide for patients looking to access medical cannabis treatment in Wales.
Contents
Healthcare in Wales
Wales is reported to have among the highest rates of long-term, life-limiting illness in the UK, with data from 2016 highlighting the growing concern around the impact of chronic conditions on people’s lives.
Based on UK-wide statistics, around 1.3 million people in the country are living with some form of chronic pain, while over a third of adults described their mental wellbeing as “poor” in the latest Wellbeing of Wales survey.
Meanwhile, Welsh hospital waiting lists hit record levels this year reaching over 800,000, with the second-highest waiting lists for gynaecology appointments in the UK, according to the latest report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
The combination of an increasing prevalence of long-term health conditions, with record high waiting lists is pointing to a need for alternative opinions to address this unmet need.
Medical cannabis Wales: FAQs
Is medical cannabis legal in Wales?
Yes, medical cannabis is legal in Wales, as it is in the rest of the UK. In November 2018, medical cannabis was reclassified as a Schedule 2 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 2001, allowing it to be prescribed by specialist doctors to eligible patients.
Who is eligible for a medical cannabis prescription in Wales?
In Wales, eligibility for a medical cannabis prescription is determined on a case-by-case basis. It is usually prescribed for long-term specific medical conditions where other treatments have failed to manage symptoms effectively.
Some of the conditions which medical cannabis is typically prescribed for include:
- Chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis, migraines, or fibromyalgia
- Cancer associated symptoms or side effects from treatment, such as anxiety, depression, or loss of appetite and nausea from chemotherapy
- Gastrointestinal issues, like IBS and Crohn’s disease.
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and epilepsy
- Mental health problems like OCD, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Can I get medical cannabis on the NHS in Wales?
Some licensed cannabis medicines have been approved for prescription on the NHS in Wales in certain conditions. These include: Sativex, for use in the treatment of spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis; Epidyolex, for use in the treatment of seizures in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex; and Nabilone as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in adults.
However, as in the rest of the UK, very few (if any) prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis medicines are obtained through the NHS.
Where can I get a prescription for medical cannabis in Wales?
The majority of patients in Wales are prescribed cannabis through private clinics like Releaf. Releaf operates a telemedicine service, meaning it can treat patients all over Wales, regardless of the healthcare services available in their local areas.
Appointments with Releaf’s specialist consultants are held online and patient’s medication is delivered to their door. It can all be done from the comfort of their own home.
At the moment, all appointments with Releaf doctors are conducted in English.
What happens next?
Once you’ve decided that medical cannabis treatment is something you wish to pursue, you need to choose a clinic which is right for you.
The process may vary slightly depending on which clinic you go with, but generally accessing your first prescription involves the following steps:
1. Sign-up and complete an eligibility assessment
Most clinics will ask you to complete an eligibility questionnaire and provide a copy of your Summary of Care Records which you can obtain from your GP. This is to provide information on your medical history and current health.
Releaf offers a free eligibility checker to help determine whether a prescription may be appropriate based on your condition and medical history.
2. Initial consultation
If you are a suitable candidate for a cannabis prescription, the clinic will book you in for a consultation with a specialist doctor. Releaf gives you the option to choose a 30-minute time slot for your video consultation with a doctor who is specialised in your condition at a day and time that suits you.
Some questions you may be asked during the consultation include:
- What are the symptoms of your condition, and how does it affect your daily life?
- What other treatments and medications have you tried previously?
- What are your expectations of medical cannabis? Why do you think it will help you?
- Have you ever taken cannabis in the past, medically or recreationally?
- If yes, did you experience any unpleasant side effects or issues from your use?
If your doctor feels medical cannabis would be suitable they will suggest a treatment plan based on your condition and lifestyle. This is also a good opportunity for you to ask them any questions you have.
MDT review
After your consultation, a multi-disciplinary team, which may include other doctors, a nurse and other support staff, will review your eligibility and treatment plan.
In Wales, it is sometimes necessary for two doctors to approve the treatment before writing your first prescription, and at Releaf we hold these MDTs daily with numerous prescribing clinicians to ensure patients can get started with their new treatment as soon as possible.
Receiving your prescription
Almost all private clinics will have a preferred pharmacy they work with, and most offer the option of having your prescribed medication delivered directly to your door.
If you choose to go with Releaf, your medication will be posted via the Royal Mail signed for service and should be with you within two to five working days of ordering.
Ongoing care
You will generally see a clinician at least four times a year for ongoing appointments to ensure your prescription continues to meet your needs. During these appointments your doctor will review your progress and may adjust the product or dose depending on how you have got on.
Releaf offers a choice of payment and subscription options, including the flexible subscription service: Releaf + which covers the costs of any future consultations, medication postage, and prescription fees.
If you decide to go with this option, your prescribed cannabis medication will be sent automatically in discreet, odourless packaging.
For more support
Medical cannabis is a personalised treatment and everyone’s experience is different. That’s why Releaf offers tailored monthly packages based on your prescription and a medical cannabis card for protection.
If you have more questions about medical cannabis treatment in Wales visit the FAQs page and contact the patient support team here.
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Sarah, a distinguished journalist with over a decade in publishing and communications, now excels in cannabis health and policy journalism in the UK, advocating for informed health decisions through her award-winning work.
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