Medical Cannabis FAQs

Yes, medical cannabis is legally available in the UK for certain conditions, including chronic pain. However, it can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor who determines that it is appropriate for your individual case.

Medical cannabis may offer relief for patients dealing with chronic pain, especially when other treatments have proven ineffective. At Doctor Herb Medical, our specialists will assess your condition to determine whether cannabis-based treatment is a suitable option for you.

Like any medication, cannabis can cause side effects, including dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, and appetite changes. Our medical team closely monitors each patient and adjusts dosages as needed to minimize unwanted effects.

At Doctor Herb Medical, the consultation includes a comprehensive medical history review, a discussion of your symptoms, and an assessment to determine if medical cannabis could benefit you. Our specialists will guide you through the process and create a personalised treatment plan.

We take patient privacy and confidentiality seriously at DOE Medical. All data is stored securely and handled in full compliance with GDPR regulations, ensuring that your information is only used for medical purposes related to your care.

The NHS currently prescribes medical cannabis only for a few severe conditions, such as certain types of epilepsy, muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS), and nausea/vomiting caused by chemotherapy, when other treatments have failed.

However, private medical cannabis clinics like Doctor Herb and Dr Green offer prescriptions for a broader range of conditions on a case-by-case basis. If you have a diagnosis for a different illness or condition, you may still be eligible for treatment.

To check if you qualify, visit our medical cannabis eligibility checker.

Yes, as part of our duty of care, Doctor Herb Medical will notify your GP once you receive a medical cannabis prescription, ensuring your medical records remain up to date.

If your GP is unfamiliar with medical cannabis or hesitant about it, our Patient Advisor Team is available to support you in discussing your treatment.

Yes, medical cannabis is a legal treatment, and patients are permitted to use it in public.

However, if you plan to carry or take your prescribed medical cannabis outside your home, ensure that:
 • It is stored in its original packaging with the pharmacy label intact.
 • You carry proof of your prescription, such as a Doctor Herb Medical Cannabis Prescription, to confirm your legal right to possess and consume it.

Medical cannabis products that contain THC can cause intoxicating effects, depending on the dose and individual tolerance.

Yes, dried cannabis flower has a distinct aroma, which varies depending on the strain and method of use.
• Vaporising cannabis flower, the most common method among UK patients, produces less smell than smoking.
• Cannabis oil has little to no odour, though its scent may vary depending on the carrier oil used.
• Some strains have a stronger aroma, while others are more subtle.

To ensure privacy and discretion, all prescriptions are shipped in smell-proof, secure, and tracked packaging via a trusted courier service.

Yes, Doctor Herb Medical offers THC flower.

Our extensive selection includes over 200 premium cannabis strains, backed by a seed bank with more than 2,000 variations. Under the leadership of our master grower, our expert cultivation team carefully grows select batches from our catalogue, ensuring 10–20 unique strains are harvested every month.

Patients can explore our online catalogue, which provides detailed information about each strain, including:
• Phenotype (Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid)
• THC/CBD content
• Effects
• Flavour profile

The time it takes for medical cannabis to take effect depends on several factors, including the type of product, method of use, personal tolerance, and metabolism.
• Inhalation (vaporising flower or oil) → Effects begin within 5–10 minutes and last 2–4 hours.
• Sublingual (oil under the tongue) → Bypasses digestion for faster absorption; effects start within 10–15 minutes and last 3–4 hours.
• Oral (capsules or swallowed oil) → Must pass through digestion and the liver; effects take up to 2 hours but last 4–6 hours.
• Topical (creams, patches, or oils applied to the skin) → Effects may take up to 90 minutes but can provide targeted relief for up to 12 hours.

Your dosage will be carefully determined by your Dr Herb and Dr Green prescribing specialist, who will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Since medical cannabis dosages are highly individual, there is no universal standard. However, you can feel confident that your prescription will be personalised to your needs and professionally managed.

Yes. If you require assistance with your medication, a carer, support worker, or family member can help administer it.

We can also provide documentation and guidance to support the administration of your medication. However, be aware that some care facilities or residential areas may have specific policies restricting medical cannabis use.

If you experience any side effects or wish to change your medication, you can contact our Patient Advisor Team at info@doctorherb.co.uk at any time.

Medical cannabis has a strong safety profile, and most patients can reduce or stop usage without complications. However, it’s always best to consult your prescribing doctor before making any changes. Your doctor can provide personalised advice on safely discontinuing or adjusting your medication.

The NHS only prescribes medical cannabis for a very limited number of conditions, including two rare forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting due to cancer treatment, and muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Currently, the NHS does not routinely prescribe or reimburse medical cannabis for pain management. Treatment is typically accessed through private clinics like Doctor Herb Medical.

Currently, no financial assistance is available for medical cannabis patients receiving benefits.

The cost of treatment varies depending on your individual prescription and dosage needs.
• Your initial consultation with one of our specialist doctors is completely free, as are any future consultations.
• Once prescribed, you can order your medication through our online platform.
• Prices start from £6.00 per gram for medicinal cannabis flower, with no minimum monthly order requirements.

Some private health insurers may offer partial or full coverage for medical cannabis, but this depends on the specific policy and provider.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider to find out what coverage options are available. If required, we can provide any documentation needed to support your claim.

No, we do not charge for repeat prescriptions, follow-up consultations, or monthly fees, unlike other medical cannabis clinics.

We pride ourselves on fast delivery times.
• Through our network of pharmacy partners, your prescription can be delivered as quickly as 2 hours after approval.
• In some cases, delivery may take up to 48 hours.

The Cannabis Industry Council, the UK’s leading cannabis advocacy group, provides the following guidance:

Patients prescribed medical cannabis in the UK can drive as long as they meet the following conditions:
• They are not impaired while driving.
• Their cannabis medication is legally prescribed, and they can provide proof of this.
• They follow the dosage and usage instructions from their specialist consultant and the medication’s manufacturer or distributor.

Patients who meet these criteria may have a statutory medical defence if they are tested for THC levels exceeding 2μg/L in their blood. This legal defence can help prevent unnecessary blood tests, arrests, or prosecutions.

By following the guidelines outlined in this leaflet, patients can strengthen their legal defence and avoid legal complications related to driving with medical cannabis.

Do Not Drive If You Feel Impaired

• It is illegal to drive while impaired by any substance, including prescribed medication.
• Patients must assess their fitness to drive each time before getting behind the wheel.
• Avoid driving if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, slow reaction times, or visual disturbances.
• Be cautious when starting, increasing, or reducing your cannabis medication dosage, as this can increase the risk of impairment.
• Certain other medications (prescribed or over-the-counter) may interact with cannabis and impact driving ability.
• If you have an underlying health condition that could increase the side effects of your medication, take extra care.
• Combining alcohol with cannabis or other impairing substances greatly increases accident risks.
• If a patient is impaired, their legal defence is not valid.

Follow Your Specialist’s Advice & Medication Guidelines

• Always adhere to the dosage and instructions given by your specialist.
• Consider any warnings about interactions with other medications or substances.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on safe usage.

Carry Evidence of Your Prescription

To avoid complications if stopped by the police, patients should always carry:
• A physical or digital copy of their most recent prescription.
• Photo ID (e.g., driver’s licence).
• A letter from their prescribing specialist (if possible).
• Medication in its original packaging, showing their name and prescription details.

What to Do If Stopped by the Police

• Remain calm, polite, and cooperative.
• You are not required to disclose your medical cannabis use unless the police suspect you are impaired.
• If questioned, state clearly that you have a legal prescription and provide your supporting documents.
• If asked to take a roadside THC test, politely inform them that you have a medical exemption and that preliminary tests are designed to detect illicit drugs.
• If necessary, show the police the QR code on your Releaf medical cannabis card, which links to the official guidance.
• If they insist on a swab, it is usually best to comply and remain cooperative.
• If requested to take an impairment test, comply, as refusing can lead to a separate offence.
• If arrested, wait for a lawyer before answering any questions. Ensure they understand your medical defence.

Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1 November 2018. However, employers still have the right to enforce their own drug policies.
• If your workplace has a zero-tolerance policy, you may face disciplinary action if you test positive for THC.
• Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) containing THC are detectable in drug tests.
• If you are concerned about workplace testing, consider discussing your prescription with your employer or HR department in advance.

This depends on your destination country.
• Within the UK, you are legally permitted to travel with your prescribed medical cannabis.
• Some other countries allow entry with a valid prescription, while others do not recognise medical cannabis as legal.
• Always research the specific laws and regulations of your destination before travelling.

If you need to travel with your prescription, follow these steps:
1. Request a travel letter from us detailing your medical condition and prescription needs. Contact our team for patient advise at info@doctorherb.co.uk to obtain one.
2. Keep your prescription in its original packaging, showing your name and prescription details.
3. Carry a physical copy of your prescription along with your travel letter.

Before travelling, always check the most up-to-date laws and airline regulations regarding medical cannabis.