Cannabis based products for medicinal use (CBPMs)
Introduction
Medicinal cannabis (known formally as cannabis based products for medicinal use or CBPM’s) can be prescribed and dispensed in limited circumstances as set out in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1976.
The Department of Health and Social Care operates an import licensing scheme for the importation of medicinal cannabis to fulfil private prescriptions.
It should be noted that the licence scheme only applies to importation of medicinal cannabis for community pharmacies. For more information about licensing, please visit: Licences for Cannabis based products for medicinal use (CBPMs).
What is Medicinal Cannabis
Medicinal Cannabis is a product that contain cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol or a cannabinol derivative. Medicinal Cannabis differs from over-the-counter cannabis/hemp oils (which are readily and legally available to purchase on the high street or online).
Medicinal Cannabis is an unlicensed medicine, which means these products have not been assessed by the medicines regulator (the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
As a specially manufactured medicine containing a controlled substance, sourcing and importing Medicinal Cannabis follows a different process than routine medicinal products.
How can get more information about Medicinal Cannabis
We recommend seeking advice directly from a pharmacist who dispenses medicinal cannabis. They will be able to provide advice, guidance and signposting to appropriate private prescribing clinics.
Alternatively, a simple web search should provide you with quick and easy access to a range of clinics based on the Isle of Man and registered with the Department of Health and Social Care or in England regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Which Pharmacies can import Medicinal Cannabis
There are currently 3 pharmacies on the Island who hold licences to import medicinal cannabis:
Karsons Pharmacy
1 Main Road,
Onchan,
Isle of Man,
IM3 1BA
Email: dispensing@karsonspharmacy.co.uk
Kingsley Muti
Portway Balthane Industrial Estate,
BMS House 495,
Ballasalla,
IM9 2AJ
Email: Info@kingsleymuti.com
Medicann t/a 420 Pharma
1 Strand Shopping Centre,
Strand Street,
Douglas,
IM1 2ER
Email: pharmacy@420pharma.co.uk
Any pharmacy may dispense medicinal cannabis once lawfully imported.
Are you allowed to drive while using CBPM
All patients are advised to take any medication in accordance with the instructions that come with any prescription. It is recommended that you consider the consequences of driving a vehicle whilst taking any medicines which may cause drowsiness including medicinal cannabis.
The Isle of Man Constabulary, Under the Road Traffic Act 1985 the Police has powers to stop motorists who they suspect may be driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs. Furthermore, under the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Act 2021, the Police have powers to may administer a drug test if they reasonably suspect someone is driving under the influence of drugs impaired to drive.
It cannot be guaranteed that a prosecution will be avoided, where an individual is able to prove that the medicines have been taken in accordance with a prescription.
Travelling with CBPM
It is lawful to travel to and from the Island with medicinal cannabis subject to all the following conditions:
- Carry the medication yourself
- Carry a copy of your current prescription
- Keep the medication in its original labelled packaging
- Carry no more than 28 days’ supply
You are responsible for checking the legal position of Medicinal Cannabis in any country you travel to or through.
The Cannabis Industry Council is an independent body in the UK and provides some assistance for travelling abroad with medicinal cannabis. For more information please visit: Travelling with Medical Cannabis.
The Department of Health and Social Care does not verify or endorse this information.
Other useful information
Prescriptions for Medicinal Cannabis are only valid for 28 days from the date on the prescription. This means that once your prescription has been processed and dispensed by your pharmacy, you need to collect your prescription within this period.
Patients should arrange their next prescription in good time, ask your pharmacist for advice.
As a private service, patients will need to pay for their medication.
