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Updated on January 25, 2019. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
Legislators in the UK are currently forming a plan for the country’s medical marijuana laws and program. However, medical marijuana legalization is expected to occur sometime during the fall of 2018. Once this happens, patients will have better access to the resources they need.
Although it’s not certain that patients will have to register for a medical ID card before accessing their cannabis medications, it’s a possibility that some form of documentation will be required for medical marijuana patients to obtain any marijuana products.
The Benefits of Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card
Although the UK doesn’t currently have an established medical marijuana program, it’ll be helpful to have a government-sanctioned program to help patients treat their conditions with safe cannabis products. Although marijuana is currently prohibited for both medical and recreational purposes, there’s an active black market for cannabis in the UK that puts patients at risk.
Several of the potential perks of registering for a medical marijuana ID card include:
- Legal protection from government officials and officers who wish to see a patient’s medical marijuana authorization
- Easy access to safe and certified cannabis products
- Potentially lower costs and tax exemptions when purchasing your medicine
For nations that incorporate medical marijuana ID cards into their cannabis programs, such as the U.S., it can help serve as a mobile form of documentation of one’s medical cannabis authorization.
Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card in the UK
Although the details surrounding the country’s medical marijuana program are not yet official, it’s likely that patients who want a medical cannabis ID card will need to complete the following steps:
- Schedule an appointment with a certified physician, who will diagnosis your disease or ailment
- Once authorized, wait for your doctor to provide legal documentation of your condition
- Register with the nation’s Ministry for Health
- Wait for your medical ID card to arrive in the mail
Although medical marijuana is not yet legal in the UK, patients do have the current opportunity to access low-concentration oils or Sativex from a pharmacy in their area. These products do not require a medical ID card but should be prescribed and recommended by a licensed physician.
Changes in legislation will provide patients greater access to cannabis, meaning a medical ID card may not be necessary. It’s also possible that marijuana will be prescribed in much the same manner as any other medicine and will be available for pick-up at a pharmacy.
How to Continue Receiving Medical Marijuana
Because the UK hasn’t revealed its medical marijuana program plans to the public, steps on maintaining regular access to their cannabis products are not yet known. However, we can speculate that the system will require regular contact with a trained physician.
Not only will developing a strong relationship with your doctor grant you continual access to your marijuana products, but it will also provide you with the following benefits:
- Advice and consultations with a trained physician who can give you suggestions on intake methods, dosages, etc.
- Compassionate support from health professionals who understand the effects of cannabis
- Reassurance and access to valuable resources whenever necessary
As is the case with any other prescription, you’ll have to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations. Protection will not be given to patients who retrieve their cannabis from illegal sources or for those who attempt to obtain marijuana without authorization.
Certification for Doctors in the UK
Although the UK intends to establish medical marijuana rules and regulations, it has no intention of legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes. All individuals desiring access to cannabis will have to be evaluated by a medical professional who will assess their condition.
This means United Kingdom-based residents won’t be able to receive cannabis without a diagnosis from a physician first. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana-friendly doctor in your area today to prepare yourself for your future treatment options.
Reach Out to a Medical Professional Today
Medical marijuana laws are changing throughout the world — the UK included. As the country works to establish official medical cannabis legislation, it’s vital to connect with the proper resources that will help you get a foot in the door of a healthier future.
At MarijuanaDoctors.com, we supply patients just like you with a myriad of different resources crafted to help them make the best decisions for their health. Check out our blog or resource page for more information.
