Med Cann
Find out if you are eligible for the UK’s new medical cannabis card
You may have heard about the roll-out of a new medical cannabis card called the Cancard, coming soon to the UK.
Millions of people across the UK use medical cannabis, either by self-medicating or on prescription. If that includes you, here’s how to find out if you are eligible for the new medical cannabis card, Cancard.
Almost 1.5 million people in the UK self-medicate with cannabis, while an estimated 1 million could fit the criteria for a legal prescription.
While two medical cannabis products (Epidyolex and Sativex) were last year approved for the NHS, they are not accessible.
As a result, most medical cannabis patients find themselves resorting to either paying for a private prescription, or self-medicating.
You may have heard about the roll-out of a new medical cannabis card called the Cancard.
Find out if you are eligible for the UK’s new holographic photo ID card for medical cannabis patients, available from November.
First you must have a confirmed diagnosis from your GP, that is currently being prescribed for privately.
You must have tried two types of prescription medication in the past, or have discussed and discounted these options based on side effects or fear of dependance.
You will be asked if you are able to afford a private prescription. These can vary in cost, but on average, you could be looking at £1,000 a month.
Ask yourself this: Do you need a small amount of cannabis in order to manage your symptoms? Are you at risk of criminalisation because you self-medicate with cannabis?
If you have one of the following health conditions you are eligible for a private medical cannabis prescription, therefore you meet the requirements.
How to apply
If you meet the above criteria, you can register your interest now. Applications for a Cancard will officially open November 1, 2020.
The first batch of cards will be distributed from November, coinciding with the second anniversary of medical cannabis law reform in the UK.
To register, you’ll be asked for some basic personal information, and you’ll also need to submit a passport photo.
Read more: New medical cannabis card to help more than one million British adults
