Medical Cannabis FAQs

Medical cannabis is prescribed by the NHS for specific severe conditions where other treatments have failed, such as certain forms of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis spasticity, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
If you have a diagnosis for any other illness, disease, or condition, you may still be eligible for medical cannabis treatment. Clinicians working with private medical cannabis clinics, like those at Professor Herb and Dr Green, can offer patients suffering from a much wider range of health concerns medical cannabis prescriptions, on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, head to our medical cannabis eligibility checker.

Professor Herb's duty of care is to notify your GP when you receive a medical cannabis prescription from us so that your medical records can be consolidated.
In some cases, your GP may not be supportive or well informed about the latest research into medical cannabis. our patient advisor team is always here to help you if you have any worries about your interactions with your GP once you become a Professor Herb patient.

Medical cannabis is a legal treatment which can be taken in public.
If you are planning to carry or take your prescribed medical cannabis in public, you must keep it in its original packaging with the label intact, as this contains crucial information about the medication and the person it's prescribed for.
Also make sure you have your Professor Herb medical cannabis prescription with you, as this proves your legal right to carry and consume medical cannabis.

Any cannabis-based medication that contains elevated levels of THC can cause intoxication, dose-dependent. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces these effects.
The objective of medical cannabis administration is to alleviate symptoms while typically avoiding any signs of impairment.

Yes, each dried medical cannabis strain does have its own distinct aroma.
The scent a patient may encounter will vary depending on the strain and how it is administered.
Smoking medical cannabis in a joint form, is illegal in the UK due to its associated harmful effects. Most UK medical cannabis patients vaporise their cannabis flower, which produces much less smell than smoking a traditional joint.
Cannabis oil has little to no smell, but depending on the carrier oil used, it may have a slight scent.
Some cannabis strains may have a more pungent aroma, while others may have a milder scent.
We ship all of our patient's prescriptions in smell-proof and discreet packaging via a secure and tracked courier, to ensure privacy and safety.

The NHS is only willing to consider providing medical cannabis prescriptions to patients suffering from two rare forms of epilepsy, vomiting and nausea caused by cancer treatments and muscle spasticity caused by MS.

Unfortunately, no, there is not currently any financial support for patients receiving benefits.

Every patient's treatment plan is different, and therefore costs will vary.
Your initial consultation with one of our specialist doctors is completely free of charge (and any additional consultations thereafter too).
Once you have discussed your treatment plan and been approved for a prescription, you will have access to our online platform where you can select the cannabis prescribed to you.
Typically for Professor Herb patients, prices for medical cannabis start from £6.00 per gram of medicinal cannabis flower, with no minimum monthly order.

Certain insurance providers may offer some form of compensation to cover the cost of your medical cannabis prescription, but ultimately, it depends on the individual insurance plan. We recommend reaching out to your insurance provider to see what you may be eligible for.
In some cases, patients may need to provide documentation from their private medical cannabis clinic before treatment begins to receive coverage. We will happily help with all documentation required.

No, we do not charge any fees for additional consultations, repeat prescriptions or monhtly fees, unlike other medical cannabis clinics.

Here at Professor Herb Medical, all specialist consultations are completely free of charge, unlike other medical cannabis clinics that charge upwards of £100+.

We pride ourselves on super-speedy delivery times. Through our vast network of pharmacy partners, we aim to have your prescription delivered in a little as 2 hours from the moment of order approval and submission. Our delivery times can take up to 48 hours.

Unfortunately, shipping is not included in the price of your medical cannabis, shipping is calculated at the checkout as an additional cost.

Yes, Professor Herb Medical offer THC flower.
Our extensive catalogue features 200+ premium cannabis strains, with a combined seed bank of more than 2,000 variations. Our master grower, Alberti Rossi, leads a team of expert growers to batch grow selections of our catalogue, which are available for patients to purchase. Strains available may vary each month, as our master grower expertly crafts 10-20 strains per month.
Our online catalogue, which is available for patients to view, boasts a wealth of information for each strain we offer, including: Phenotype (sativa/indica), THC/CBD content, effects and flavour profile.

That depends on few key factors. The type of medication you are using, the method of administration, your cannabinoid tolerance, and your metabolism can all impact how quickly you feel the effects of medical cannabis.
When medical cannabis flower or oil is inhaled through a vaporiser, the effects will be felt within 5 to 10 minutes, and last around 2 to 4 hours.
Medical cannabis oil can also be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or orally. Sublingual application bypasses the digestive system and allows the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The effects of sublingual application will be felt in 10 to 15 minutes, and last around 3 to 4 hours.
Orally administer oil or capsules will need to pass through the digestive system and be metabolised by the liver before taking effect, which can take up to 2 hours. The effects of oral administration can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.
Topically applied oil, creams, or patches can take up to 90 minutes to feel the effects but can provide targeted relief for localised pain or inflammation for up to 12 hours.

Your Professor Herb and Dr Green prescribing specialist will work with you to find the appropriate dosage for your health needs and tailor a suitable treatment plan. Our specialist will carefully monitor your progress and adjust the dosage as needed.
It's important to note that there is no universal standard dose for medical cannabis, but with Professor Herb, you can trust that your dosage will be personalised and overseen to meet your specific needs.

Yes, and we are happy to help by providing any documentation or guidance needed.
Although medical cannabis is a legal treatment option here in the UK, some local regulations in care facilities or residential areas might restrict its administration.

If you are experiencing any unwanted or negative side effects from your current medication, you can contact the Patient Advisor Team at patientadvisors@professorherb.co.uk at any time.
Medical cannabis has been shown to have an extremely high safety profile, and most patients are able to decrease or stop their medication use without any issues.
It is always advisable to speak with your prescribing doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen. Your doctor can provide specific guidance and advice regarding the discontinuation or reduction of your current medication.

The Cannabis Industry Council (the UK's leading cannabis advocacy group) has put forward the following information and recommendations:
UK medical cannabis patients are permitted to carry and use their medication and continue driving, provided that: - The patient is not impaired. - The cannabis medication has been prescribed to the patient, and they can provide evidence of this. - The patient adheres to the directions provided by their specialist consultant and follows the instructions given by the medication's manufacturer or distributor.
The patient may have a statutory medical defence if they can provide sufficient evidence that they meet the criteria. This means patients should not be arrested and have a valid defence against charges of driving or controlling a vehicle with THC levels over 2μg/L in their blood.
Following the guidelines on this page and in this leaflet, and asserting their statutory medical defence if stopped, can help registered patients avoid unnecessary blood tests, arrest, and prosecution.
By adhering to the patient responsibilities below, patients can establish a defence against charges of driving or controlling a vehicle with THC levels over the legal limit. This can help in the event of them being arrested or prosecuted.
Do not drive if you feel impaired
- Driving while impaired by medication or any other cause is illegal. - All drivers, including patients, must assess their fitness to drive and consider potential impairments on any given occasion. - Avoid driving if you experience drowsiness, poor coordination, slow or impaired thinking, dizziness, or visual disturbances. - Do not drive when the risk of impairment may be elevated, such as when starting, increasing, or reducing the dose of your medication. - Exercise caution if you are taking other prescribed or over-the-counter medications that could impair your driving or interact with your medical cannabis prescription. - Be particularly careful if you have a medical condition that could heighten the side effects of your prescription (e.g., a serious illness with recent significant weight loss). - Be aware that alcohol combined with other impairing substances can greatly increase the risk of accidents. Note that the legal medical defence is invalid if a patient is impaired.
Follow the advice of your prescribing specialist and the CBMP manufacturer
- Follow the directions provided by your specialist consultant, including dosage instructions, usage with other medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter), and any potential impairments. - Additionally, read, understand, and follow all instructions from the medicine's manufacturer or distributor, provided they do not conflict with your specialist consultant's guidance.
Carry Evidence - Ensure you carry the following up-to-date documentation in your vehicle: - A physical or digital copy of your most recent prescription - Photo ID (e.g., driver's license) - If possible, a physical or digital letter from your specialist confirming you are their patient - If you need to carry medication, it must be in its original packaging, as dispensed by the pharmacist, with a label displaying the prescription and your name.
What to do if the police stop you
Stay calm, polite, and cooperative. You don't need to mention your prescribed cannabis medicine unless the police suspect you've used cannabis or are impaired.
If the police suspect you have cannabis in your system, calmly inform them that you are legally prescribed cannabis medicine, that you have a medical defence to exceed the limit, and present your documentation. The police are legally obligated to investigate your medical defence.
If the police request a roadside swab to detect THC, inform them that you are legally prescribed a cannabis medicine and legally permitted to possess it. Remind them that preliminary tests are designed to identify the presence of illicit, not legal, controlled drugs.
- You might want to share the Guidance for Police. When the authorities scan the QR code on your Releaf medical cannabis card, they will be redirected to this page. - If the police persist in requesting a roadside swab, it may be best to comply, remain calm, and follow their instructions. - Should the police ask for an impairment test, you should comply, as refusing could result in a separate criminal offence. - If you are arrested and brought to a police station for an interview under caution, do not say anything until you have a lawyer by your side. Ensure the lawyer is fully informed of your medical defence and its foundation.

Medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option in the UK since 1 November 2018.
That said, employers still retain the authority to enforce their own drug policies.
If your workplace has a strict no-drugs policy, you could face repercussions for pursuing a medical cannabis prescription, especially if it includes a cannabis-based medicinal product (CBMP) containing THC. THC is detectable in workplace drug tests.

That depends on where you plan to travel.
You are allowed to travel with your prescribed medical cannabis within the UK. Some countries will allow you to enter with a valid prescription, while others may not recognise medical cannabis as a legal treatment option.
It is important to research the laws and regulations of your destination country before travelling with your prescription.
If you do decide to travel with your prescribed medical cannabis, you should first request a travel letter from us. This letter will detail your medical condition and the necessity for you to carry your medication with you. Please contact the Patient Advisor Team at patientadvisors@professorherb.co.uk to request a travel letter.
Always keep your prescribed medical cannabis in its original packaging which displays both your name and the prescription itself. You should also carry a physical copy of your prescription and the travel letter.