Starting Right

Did you know: It's actually illegal to hold cannabis products that are not prescribed? In fact, many of the practices that we’re used to, really shouldn't happen at all, but they do. It's very, because we are all used to the idea of, instant service, walking in off the street and getting something immediately but….. that is not how it's meant to work.

The problem

                Since a dispensary often has no way of knowing what you've been prescribed, so frequently, they will swap what you have been prescribed, for products that they have “in-stock”. These are items they have bought in advance. While this has become ‘normal’ in cannabis, its is pretty much unthinkable in any other area of medicine. Ideally every dispensed item should be for product specifically ordered for you, not whatever is available. This single practice is largely responsible for the majority of problems in medical cannabis.             

                While it’s widely performed it’s a difficult practice to justify. It’s just something so widespread pharmacies feel they have to do it to compete, but it means you are not necessarily giving you the best medicine for your circumstances but frequently something selected based on profit.  Wholesalers even offer bulk discounts to pharmacies buying large volumes of stock as an incentive. As a doctor, it makes ‘treatment’ (understanding what is working and what isn’t), so much harder. When patients are moved from one product to another It destroys continuity, they often don’t even know what they are taking with all decisions based on cost not outcome. Patients often see it as having a choice, but ironically, you're only choosing from a very limited selection bought by the pharmacy, normally chosen for profit, when you could be focusing on what helps you.

Is this legal? Yes and no

                There is some capacity to substitute in certain rare circumstances under Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 and Regulations 2017 Cannabis medicine is different in a lot of ways. Mainly because how it works isn’t entirely understood and we only measure one active ingredient out of potentially hundreds or thousands. Products are only classified on the basis of THC percentage and weight- so substitutions are same ‘allowed’ based on same percentage, same weight, but that ignores everything that matters. Even basic well recognized differences, like indica or sativa aren’t accounted for: we just don't know exactly what compounds cause which effect in cannabis. It’s like selling clothes by the kg, and saying it’s all the same or saying all wine is the same: if it comes in a bottle. Of course, some people aren’t picky about what they drink, or clothes, and those individuals do benefit (sort of) from those in those situations- but we’re talking about a as well as a lost opportunity of effective treatment and the risk of substantial legal penalties associated with misuse, it hardly seems worth it. 

The solution: order ahead: get the right medication for your needs

1)    Get the prescription from your doctor

2)    Call the pharmacy a couple of days before you plan to get the product

3)    Provide your prescription and they will order the product

4)    Wait 48 to 72 hours: They will contact you when it arrives

5)    Pick up or have the product delivered

A good pharmacist can make your journey so much better, they will help you find treatment and navigate the industry. To get the best out of the relationship, help them understand your goals, give them time to get you the right products and build the relationship.