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Frequently Asked Questions about
Medical Cannabis

Do I have choice between irradiated and non-irradiated cannabis-based medicine?

Prescribers are required to complete a clinical risk assessment, before agreeing to prescribe any medication including the use of non-irradiated versus irradiated cannabis medicines. If the prescribers believe there is a risk linked to your preference this will be explained and discussed with you. This risk assessment is completed on a patient-by-patient basis as each person has unique needs.

Outside of that risk assessment process, the option of a clinically appropriate irradiated or non-irradiated cannabis-based medicines will be led by availability and patient preference.

 

What is the difference between irradiated and non-irradiated cannabis?

Irradiated cannabis refers to cannabis that has been exposed to ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, to kill microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, and fungi.

Irradiating cannabis is undertaken by some producers to meet regulatory requirements for microbial contamination control and improve the safety of the cannabis for patients. This process is like the irradiation of other food products to extend shelf life and reduce the risk of pathogens.

Some people argue the process alters the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the plant, to the extent it significantly affects flavor, aroma, and therapeutic properties., while others assert that properly regulated irradiation can effectively eliminate harmful microbes without impacting on any of the beneficial properties.

Does the legal requirement for reasonable adjustments, mean I can vape my cannabis-based medication anywhere?

The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on service providers to anticipate the needs of disabled people, however it is not possible to anticipate every possible scenario. Given there is often a need to determine reasonableness and ensure a change is properly managed, an organisation  may not agree an impromptu reasonable adjustment, if you decide mid task to start vaping.

Lumir Clinic recommends preplanning, reading the relevant organisations equality policy and following the process for requesting reasonable adjustments. The following links define what is a disability within the context of the legislation and the considerations for assessing what is reasonable. If you need assistance to explain the current laws around cannabis-based medicines, your prescribing clinic will be able to assist.

The link to the Equality Act 2010  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, https://www.equalityni.org/ReasonableAdjustments

 

Can I travel overseas with any cannabis-based medicine I am prescribed?

The arrangements for traveling with cannabis medicines will depend on the country you are travelling to and any countries you intend to travel through.

Lumir Clinic advises contacting the embassy of any country you are traveling to or through, to ask about the legal status of prescribed cannabis medicines and to confirm the process for entry with your cannabis-based medicines. This is also the time to ask questions about possible restrictions such as the quantity or form of cannabis-based medicines allowed.

Please ensure you do this as far in advance of your trip as possible as there may be applications to complete or documents you need to assemble. The Clinic will provide you with a letter confirming your treatment and we advise you to have a copy of this and your prescription to hand.

Please be mindful that some countries have very stringent drug laws, where CBD is considered a controlled substance.  A list of foreign embassies in the UK is included in the link below

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk

We recommend if possible, exploring the storage arrangements at your destination e.g., some holiday accommodation has a safe included within the room and can be used to secure your medicines and checking with pharmacy to minimise any issues with your cannabis medicines from extremes of temperature at your destination.

We suggest buying travel insurance which covers the loss of prescription medication and checking the terms, so you can make a claim and recover the cost of any replacement when you return home.

You may take other regular medications in addition to your cannabis-based medicine, please remember to check the status of these as you enquire about cannabis medications. In some countries many medicines including over the counter are not permitted.

Do I have to self-administer cannabis flower/flos with a vape device?

Yes – In line with the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, as amended by the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (Cannabis for Medicinal Use) Regulations 2018, the use of cannabis-based products, including cannabis flower, is strictly controlled.

Regulation 3 of the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (Cannabis for Medicinal Use) Regulations 2018 restricts cannabis prescriptions to medical professionals and specific medical uses.

The requirement that cannabis for medicinal use must be used only as prescribed is enforced through these regulations. The prescribing doctor determines the specific form of cannabis (such as cannabis flower), dosage, and method of administration is used), which must be adhered to by the patient. Lumir Clinic only prescribes flower for vaporisation

If I start using medical cannabis will the amount I need keep increasing (Tolerance)?

Tolerance is the term used when a person needs to consume more of a substance to achieve the same effect as they did previously.

As some people progress through their treatment with cannabis-based medicine, their function improves following use, and the feeling is different to when they started. This change is not reduced a sensitivity to cannabis-based medicines; the improved function is an indicator your treatment is working.

For others, regular use of cannabis-based medicines may change the endocannabinoid system which could change/ reduce the therapeutic effect.

There are some ways to reduce the likelihood of this and they can be factored into the treatment plan agreed with your prescriber

Strategies may include alternating cannabis-based medications, consider changing the ratio of THC to CBD and with some types of cannabis-based medicine starting off self-administration only when you feel you really need it and not because it is a particular time of day. Some people plan short breaks from medication aiming to give the body a bit of a reset.

It is important to remember, this is not something that affects everybody and different things work for different people. Please discuss this with your prescribers if you have questions or believe you are developing tolerance. Our prescribers are available to help you maximize the benefits of your cannabis-based medicine

 

Can I choose my own pharmacy?

Yes, you can choose your own pharmacy. In these instances we will post your script to you and you can then choose to send your prescription to a nominated pharmacy of your choice. However, in these instances we will not be able to offer any information on fulfillment timeliens.

I am registered with another clinic where my doctor will only prescribe cannabis-based medication one month at a time, can I get more than one month on each prescription with Lumir Clinic?

Cannabis based medicines are currently classified as Schedule 2 drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The regulations mandate that prescriptions for Schedule 2 drugs, must typically be limited to a 30-day supply.

This requirement aims to ensure close monitoring and regular assessment of patients by healthcare providers, to mitigate potential abuse and manage any adverse effects effectively. Therefore, Lumir Clinic will not routinely issue prescriptions which exceed a 30-day supply.

 

Does Lumir Clinic prescribe all the cannabis medicines available in the UK?

The availability of cannabis base medicines in the UK is subject to strict regulatory control and often frustrated by challenges within the supply chain. To prescribe every medicine in the UK, given the frequency of change, could quickly become unmanageable with the potential to disrupt continuity of treatment. Therefore, Lumir Clinic will not prescribe from every cannabis medicine available in the UK.

Lumir Clinic aims to offer cannabis-based medications which span cannabinoid profiles, price points and clinical needs. Our formulary will consider knowledge /expertise from international peers / colleagues and of cause patient feedback. If you have a question about a particular cannabis-based medicine, please contact us.

 

I am registered with another clinic; however, my preferred medication has gone out of stock. Will this happen if I transfer to Lumir Clinic?

Sourcing cannabis-based medicines for the UK, currently involves a complex regulatory framework linked to export & import.

The process involves the Home Office, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency & UK customs with strict controls throughout the supply chain.

This process can be lengthy, combined with controls around how much of a particular cannabis-based medicine can be imported at one time means supply can be unpredictable.

An issue at any step in the process can cause delay and in extreme cases lead to the quarantine or recall of the cannabis-based medicines expected. The knock-on effect of this may be a disruption in supply which is beyond the control of the Clinic.

As far as possible, Lumir Clinic will maintain a formulary where clinically appropriate alternates are available to support continuity of treatment, however we are not able to say with certainty a particular medicine will never be out of stock with our UK suppliers