The new guidelines provide pharmacists with practical information on dispensing cannabis-based medicinal products, including legal and regulatory frameworks, prescription requirements, record-keeping obligations, and controlled drug processes.
It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists and key safety considerations.
“Pharmacists are central to the safe and effective use of medical cannabis,” said Zul Mamon, an experienced pharmacist and MCCS Executive Committee member, who authored the guidance.
“With CBPMs becoming more widely prescribed in the private sector, pharmacists must have a clear understanding of legal responsibilities, product types, and patient safety considerations. This guidance aims to provide practical, accessible support that empowers pharmacists to deliver high-quality care.”
In the UK, medical cannabis patients have the right to have their medication dispensed by any licensed pharmacy of their choosing.
Designed to support safe and lawful practice, the guide helps pharmacists build the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate this highly regulated and evolving area of prescribing.
Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the MCCS, welcomed the new guidance, commenting: “Pharmacists have a vital role in patient safety and education. As the use of medical cannabis expands in the UK, we must ensure all healthcare professionals—especially those dispensing the medicine—have access to robust, evidence-based guidance. This publication is an important milestone in our mission to support a safe, competent, and informed workforce.”
The guidance is available now to members through the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society.
Any pharmacists interested in this area of practice are invited to join the MCCS to access expert-led training and mentoring, and be part of the UK’s only independent network of medical cannabis professionals.
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First Pharmacy Guidelines to Support Safe Dispensing of Medical Cannabis
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has published its first dedicated guidance for pharmacy professionals involved in dispensing cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) in the UK.
Written by pharmacist and Executive Committee member Zul Mamon, the guidance supports pharmacists in navigating the legal, regulatory and practical requirements of dispensing CBPMs safely and lawfully.
“Pharmacists are central to the safe and effective use of medical cannabis. With CBPMs becoming more widely prescribed in the private sector, pharmacists must have a clear understanding of legal responsibilities, product types, and patient safety considerations. This guidance aims to provide practical, accessible support that empowers pharmacists to deliver high-quality care.”
Developed in response to the growing number of pharmacists supporting CBPM dispensing, the guidance ensures members have the clarity and confidence needed to meet their professional obligations.
The Pharmacy Guidance gives pharmacists a clear overview of everything they need to know when working with cannabis-based medicines. It explains how these medicines became legal, what they are, how they work, and the different types available. It also covers who can prescribe them, how they should be dispensed, possible side effects and drug interactions, and what checks pharmacists need to carry out. There’s also practical information on prescription forms, record-keeping, and controlled drug rules, as well as a glossary to explain key terms.
Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the Society, welcomed the publication as a step forward for pharmacy engagement in the sector:
“Pharmacists have a vital role in patient safety and education. As the use of medical cannabis expands in the UK, we must ensure all healthcare professionals—especially those dispensing the medicine—have access to robust, evidence-based guidance. This publication is an important milestone in our mission to support a safe, competent, and informed workforce.”
The guidance is available now to MCCS members. It will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect changes in policy and practice.
Join the Society to Access the Guidance and More
Pharmacists interested in this area of practice are encouraged to join the Society to receive the guidance, access expert-led training and mentoring, and be part of the UK’s only independent network of medical cannabis professionals.
As the Society develops further pharmacist-focused resources and events, members will benefit from tailored support and up-to-date information to strengthen their practice and support patient care.
New Pharmacy Guidance Launched to Support Safe Dispensing of Medical Cannabis
