The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is proud to co-host the Cannabis Industry Awards 2025, alongside the Cannabis Industry Council and Drug Science. Presented by Curaleaf Laboratories and EastCann, the awards celebrate the individuals driving progress in the UK’s cannabis sector.
The awards dinner takes place on Thursday 6 November 2025 at the Honourable Artillery Company, London. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, entertainment, the awards ceremony, and an after-party – bringing together 150 leaders from across the medical cannabis community.
The Cannabis Industry Awards are unique in focusing entirely on the individuals whose work has helped move the UK cannabis sector forward. Rather than spotlighting companies, these awards celebrate the people whose skill, leadership, and commitment have made a measurable difference to patients, peers, and the wider industry.
Each of the six award categories has been carefully designed to reflect the diverse ways in which people contribute to progress. From those working tirelessly behind the scenes, to clinicians delivering exceptional patient care, to advocates raising awareness and researchers building the evidence base – the awards shine a light on all areas of achievement.
The Unsung Hero Award, supported by Curaleaf Laboratories and EastCann, highlights individuals whose dedication is often overlooked but whose impact is lasting. The Social Impact Award, supported by Hilltop Leaf, recognises those making a tangible difference to patients, families, and communities. The Contribution to Science Award celebrates groundbreaking research and innovation, while Clinician of the Year honours healthcare professionals showing leadership, compassion, and excellence in practice. The Green Award reflects the growing importance of environmental sustainability in the cannabis field, and the Best Customer Service Award acknowledges individuals who go above and beyond in their daily interactions with patients and customers.
Winners will be announced at the awards dinner, with each recipient receiving a complimentary ticket to attend.
Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Submit your nomination today and help spotlight the individuals changing the landscape of medical cannabis in the UK.
Join us in London for a night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration. Tickets are available now via Eventbrite: £125 + VAT per seat or £1,750 + VAT for a table of 10.
At the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, we give UK doctors the tools, guidance, and peer support to prescribe medical cannabis confidently and safely. One of the most common – and most important – questions we hear from new and existing prescribers is: How do I get the right medical cannabis insurance?
The answer is simple: you need insurance coverage that specifically covers your medical cannabis prescribing.
In the UK, medicinal cannabis products (CBMPs) can currently only be prescribed privately, apart from limited NHS use for licensed products such as Sativex and Epidyolex. This means your NHS indemnity does not cover you for most medical cannabis treatment.
The GMC requires all doctors to have adequate and appropriate insurance or indemnity arrangements covering the full scope of your practice. In reality, this means arranging a policy that includes indemnity insurance for doctors prescribing cannabis-based treatments. If your policy doesn’t explicitly list prescribing medical cannabis, you may not be protected for a claim.
Because most CBMPs are an unlicensed medicine, prescribers take full clinical responsibility for their use. Without the right insurance coverage in place, you risk being uninsured – something that could halt your treatment work immediately, affecting your patients. Being uninsured could jeopardise your career and leave you unable to practise. A lack of insurance could also impact your income if you are unable to work due to legal or regulatory issues.
Medical cannabis is an emerging and rapidly expanding field in the UK, with more healthcare professionals now prescribing cannabis-based products to help manage a range of health conditions. As this area of medicine grows, it’s increasingly important for clinicians to have robust medical indemnity insurance in place. Medical indemnity provides comprehensive cover for healthcare professionals, especially those working in private practice, by protecting them against medical malpractice claims that may arise from their clinical work.
With more patients seeking medical cannabis treatments, having the right indemnity cover not only safeguards your practice but also supports your ability to deliver high-quality care with confidence. In this evolving landscape, understanding the importance of insurance cover is essential for all medical professionals involved in prescribing medical cannabis in the UK.
Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, says:
“Apart from two specific medications, Sativex and Epidyolex, medical cannabis is classed as an unlicensed medicine. Doctors prescribing unlicensed products take full clinical responsibility and may not be covered by standard indemnity insurance. Medical cannabis is a safe treatment with often significant benefits and few side effects. Clinicians can be reassured that if they prescribe within the legal parameters, they are very safe – although they still need insurance cover.”
To make this simple, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has partnered with PIB Insurance Brokers – a leading provider of specialist healthcare cover – to arrange competitive, comprehensive policies for UK clinicians prescribing medical cannabis. It’s part of our commitment to removing barriers so clinicians can start or continue this treatment with confidence.
With this partnership, you can access:
PIB Insurance Brokers provide insurance solutions for UK doctors prescribing medical cannabis treatments.
To arrange a policy, please contact Richard Cupit, Head of Healthcare at PIB, on 07935 709160 or Richard.Cupit@pib-insurance.com. You can find out more about PIB Insurance Brokers on their website.
Even if you already have private practice insurance, you must check with your insurers that prescribing medical cannabis is included in your existing coverage. Many policies exclude this treatment unless agreed in writing. You may need to amend your policy or take out specialist insurance coverage, such as tailored indemnity insurance for doctors who prescribe unlicensed medicines. Clinicians are encouraged to complete the application process to ensure their policy is tailored to their specific needs.
Failing to confirm this could leave you personally liable for any claim related to your prescribed medication.
When choosing a medical indemnity insurance policy, it’s vital for medical cannabis clinicians to thoroughly review the policy details and be aware of any exclusions that could affect their protection.
Key aspects to consider include the scope of coverage, such as which treatments and activities are included, as well as any territorial or financial limits. Exclusions may relate to previous indemnity cover, disciplinary matters, or ongoing GMC investigations, which could leave gaps in your protection.
For medical cannabis clinicians in the UK, regulatory compliance is a fundamental part of safe and effective practice. The General Medical Council (GMC) requires all doctors to have adequate indemnity cover in place, and both NHS and private healthcare organisations may set additional standards for medical indemnity insurance. Healthcare professionals must stay informed about these requirements to ensure their insurance arrangements meet the necessary standards and protect them from potential risks.
Failing to comply with regulatory expectations can lead to significant challenges, including professional or legal consequences. By keeping up-to-date with the latest guidance and ensuring their insurance cover aligns with current regulations, medical professionals can focus on delivering the best possible care to their patients while safeguarding their own business and reputation.
Medical cannabis clinicians have access to several types of insurance designed to protect both their professional and business interests. The most critical is medical indemnity insurance, which specifically covers healthcare professionals against medical malpractice claims related to patient care.
In addition, professional liability insurance offers broader protection for errors or omissions in the delivery of professional services, while business insurance addresses risks associated with running a medical cannabis practice, such as safeguarding premises and equipment.
Each type of cover plays a vital role in ensuring that clinicians are protected from different aspects of risk. It’s essential for medical professionals to assess their practice needs and select the right combination of indemnity cover and business insurance to ensure they are fully protected in all areas of their work.
As the medical cannabis sector continues to grow in the UK, the need for tailored medical indemnity insurance will only increase. The future of medical cannabis insurance will be shaped by the evolving risks and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in this field, including the need for comprehensive cover against clinical negligence, legal defence, and business-related risks.
With the right insurance in place, medical cannabis clinicians can focus on their practice, confident that they are protected against the risks that may arise, and contribute to the continued growth and credibility of the profession in the UK.
Insurance for prescribing medical cannabis is an essential safeguard for you, your patients, and your professional reputation. Another safeguard is membership of the Society.
With MCCS membership, you get:
MCCS membership also ensures ongoing protection, including run-off cover for those entering retirement.
If you’re prescribing, or planning to prescribe, you need MCCS membership.
Join the MCCS now and get protected.
Q: Do clinicians need separate cover to prescribe CBMPs?
A: Yes. Private prescribing is not covered by NHS indemnity. Arrange indemnity insurance for doctors that explicitly includes prescribing medical cannabis.
Q: What should doctors check first with existing insurers?
A: Ask if medical cannabis is included in your insurance coverage. Get written confirmation that your prescription activity for unlicensed medicine is covered, or arrange a specialist policy.
Q: Is a medical cannabis prescription treated differently from other private prescriptions?
A: Yes. Most CBMPs are unlicensed. Adequate insurance cover is required before issuing a prescription.
Q: How can clinicians be sure their cover is valid for medical cannabis?
A: Join MCCS and use PIB Insurance Brokers. You’ll get tailored indemnity insurance for doctors prescribing medical cannabis in the UK, with explicit coverage stated.
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) is pleased to announce the publication of the updated edition of the Good Practice Guide for Prescribers of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs), an essential resource for clinicians working in this fast-evolving field.
Since CBMPs were legalised for prescription in the UK in November 2018, more than 75,000 patients have received treatment, supported by around 160 prescribers across 40 private clinics. Despite this growing demand, NHS prescribing remains extremely limited, and clinicians face a lack of consistent training, standards, and support.
In response, the Society has revised and expanded its flagship Good Practice Guide to offer a clearer, more detailed framework for safe, lawful and patient-centred prescribing. The updated guide is part of MCCS’s broader mission to raise standards across the sector and safeguard both patients and practitioners.
This updated guide reflects the latest developments in clinical practice, prescribing patterns, and regulatory expectations. It includes detailed guidance on:
While developed with specialist cannabis clinics in mind, the guide is relevant across all settings where CBMPs may be prescribed or supported. That includes:
The Good Practice Guide for Prescribers of CBMPs is available now for all.
If you’re not yet a member, join today to access our growing library of practical tools, prescribing guidance, training, and peer support.
👉 Download the Good Practice Guide
👉 Find out more and join the Society
“Prescribing cannabis-based medicinal products requires careful clinical judgment, a strong understanding of the evidence, and a clear grasp of professional responsibilities. This guide provides the structure and support clinicians need to practise safely, lawfully and in the best interests of their patients.”
— Professor Mike Barnes, Chair, Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society
With increasing numbers of patients using legally prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs), clinicians in the NHS, hospices, care homes and private hospitals are facing a practical challenge: how to safely, lawfully, and confidently manage these medicines during admission, surgery, and inpatient care.
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society has published a new guide – Managing Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products in UK Hospitals and Care Settings – written for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, anaesthetists, surgeons and care providers across secondary and palliative care.
This post offers a summary of the key points and provides an overview of what clinicians need to know, from legal responsibilities to patient rights and perioperative management. It’s designed to support anyone searching for CBPM hospital policy, medical cannabis prescriptions during hospital or hospice admissions, or simply how to stay compliant when managing medical cannabis in hospital settings.
For full details, practical checklists, and best practice examples, download the guide.
Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) are medicines derived from cannabis that are prescribed for specific medical conditions. In the UK, they are legal only under very specific conditions. CBPMs are:
Understanding what qualifies as a CBPM is essential for any clinician looking to implement a safe and lawful CBPM hospital policy.
According to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, patients with capacity have the right to make decisions about their treatment, including continuing prescribed CBPMs while in hospital.
Clinicians must not withdraw or alter CBPM treatment without informed consent, and must support continuity of care unless safety concerns are present.
The Equality Act 2010 also applies: refusing a patient access to their legal medication could be considered discriminatory if it disadvantages them due to disability. Whether you’re drafting protocols or providing direct care, it’s crucial to know how to manage CBPMs in hospital in line with these legal duties.
The MCCS guide outlines a clear process for managing medical cannabis in hospital. Clinicians should:
“Are you currently taking any cannabis-based products prescribed for medical use?”
Patients may use CBPMs such as oils, sprays or vapourisers for conditions including chronic pain, epilepsy, spasticity, anxiety or palliative symptoms.
These steps are essential to align with hospital governance, CD handling rules, and best practice CBPM hospital policy.
Because CBPMs are Schedule 2 controlled drugs, they must be handled with the same procedures as other CDs.
Key points include:
Hospitals should not force patients into unsafe environments (e.g., smoking shelters) to take their prescribed treatment. These are all vital considerations for hospitals updating or implementing a formal medical cannabis prescription hospital framework.
The MCCS guide includes detailed clinical considerations around CBPM surgery guidance, such as:
If you’re involved in perioperative care or writing hospital protocols for anaesthesia and sedation, understanding how to manage CBPMs in hospital is a clinical safety issue, not just a legal one.
There’s much more in the full document.
🔽 Download the guide now:
Managing Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products in UK Hospitals and Care Settings
Whether you’re building a CBPM hospital policy, managing admissions, working directly with a patient with a cannabis prescription, or supporting a patient through surgery, this guide is your go-to reference.
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is the UK’s leading independent network for healthcare professionals supporting the use of cannabis-based medicinal products and prescriptions.
Annual membership starts at £60.
Together, we’re raising standards and supporting clinicians to deliver safe, lawful and effective care for patients using medical cannabis in UK hospitals.
Can patients bring medical cannabis into hospital?
Yes, if prescribed. Patients should bring their CBPM in the original packaging with prescription details.
Can hospital staff administer or manage these medicines?
Yes, as with any other controlled drug, under appropriate documentation and procedures.
Where should CBPMs be stored?
In the controlled drugs cabinet, unless the patient has an approved self-administration plan.
Can patients vape cannabis in hospital?
If prescribed and appropriate, patients may use vapourised CBPMs, but not smoke cannabis, in a private or designated space per local policy.
Can I alter the patient’s treatment plan?
No, not without informed consent. Patients with capacity have the right to continue their prescribed CBPMs, and this must be respected.
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.
To all members of the Society, our Supporters and friends,
Since the legalisation of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) in the UK in November 2018, around 40,000 patients have received these treatments, with numbers steadily increasing. There are currently 40 clinics and about 140 prescribers operating within the private sector.
However, the adoption of these medicines within the NHS has been slow, and there are no compulsory training requirements for prescribers. This has led to significant variations in clinical practice.
To address these challenges, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) has developed a Good Practice Guide. This guide aims to support prescribers and ensure patients can safely access these valuable medicines. While it is tailored primarily for clinics that focus on prescribing cannabis, the fundamental principles are relevant to a broader range of medical settings.
The MCCS hopes this guide will be adopted widely, pleading to practices that benefit patients and improve the overall quality of the medical cannabis industry. This effort highlights our dedication to raising standards and supporting prescribers with practical, applicable guidelines and support.
You can access all our public publications – including this recently published Good Practice Guide – on our website.
Not yet a member? Join the Society.
The UKMCCS Annual General Meeting (AGM) is around the corner, and we’re looking forward to bringing members together to review our achievements and discuss future developments. Members are invited to join us on 7 November, from 2 PM to 4 PM to take part.
Members have two ways to attend:
For members who can’t attend, minutes will be shared afterward to keep everyone informed.
📆 Date: 7 November
🕑 Time: 2 PM to 4 PM
📍 Location: Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3HE
To register, please email contact@ukmccs.org. We look forward to your participation in making this a successful AGM.
Together with the Cannabis Industry Council and Drug Science, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is pleased to announce the first-ever Cannabis Industry Awards.
The event is being held during Medical Cannabis Awareness Week, making it a fitting occasion to celebrate excellence in the UK cannabis sector.
The Cannabis Industry Awards is set to be a key event for the UK cannabis community. It will bring together professionals from across the industry, including CEOs, founders, doctors, scientists, and other leading figures. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, with entertainment provided by a comedian and table magicians. Following the dinner, there will be an after-party at a nearby venue, offering further opportunities to connect and celebrate.
The evening will feature two awards: the Social Impact Award and the Contribution to Science Award. These awards are designed to recognise individuals who have made notable contributions to the cannabis industry.
Nominations are open from 2 September to 1 October, with a public vote from 4 to 25 October to decide the winners, reflecting the views and values of both industry insiders and the wider community.
Dr Leon Barron, Chair of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, said:
“The Cannabis Industry Awards Dinner is a chance for us to come together and celebrate the progress we’ve made in the UK cannabis sector, particularly in improving access for patients and supporting clinicians in prescribing since 2018. These awards recognise the hard work and dedication of individuals who are helping to shape the future of the industry in two key areas. I’m looking forward to what will undoubtedly be a memorable evening.”
To purchase your tickets, visit the official Eventbrite page.
While the Contribution to Science Award has been sponsored by Gowling WLG, there is still an opportunity for an organisation to sponsor the Social Impact Award. This sponsorship offers a chance to show support for social responsibility within the cannabis industry.
For organisations interested in sponsoring the Social Impact Award, please contact Sam Cannon at sam@beyond.green for more information.
As part of our commitment to keeping healthcare professionals at the forefront of medical cannabis knowledge, we are pleased to give you access to a detailed webinar and a new research paper by Dr. Stefan Broselid, Scientific Lead at the Medical Cannabis Clinicians’ Society.
This webinar explores the endocannabinoidome (eCBome) — an advanced version of the endocannabinoid system. This session, which took place on 11 June 2024, provides a comprehensive understanding of how this complex system affects various body processes and how you can target it effectively with cannabis-based treatments. Member’s can access this recording via the Member’s Area.
Dr. Broselid’s linked paper, “The Endocannabinoidome: A Pivotal Physiological Regulator and Therapeutic Target – Implications for Medical Education and Personalized Medicine”, goes beyond theory to discuss practical implications for clinical practice, especially in prescribing and managing cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs).
For more information, questions, or to discuss the content, please do not hesitate to get in touch wit the Society by emailing contact@ukmccs.org.