Medical Cannabis Service at Wheatley Pharmacy

Private Prescriptions for Chronic Conditions

Did you know that medical Cannabis has been legal and available for private prescription in the UK since November 2018? At Wheatley Pharmacy, we're proud to be the first pharmacy in Oxford to offer a regulated private medical cannabis dispensing service, in partnership with Curaleaf Clinic.

This service is designed for eligible patients who have not responded to conventional treatments and are seeking a clinically overseen alternative for managing chronic or complex health conditions.

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01865 874 047

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Wheatley Pharmacy
Morland Close
Wheatley
Oxfordshire
OX33 1DP

Who is Eligible for Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis is only considered for patients who have exhausted all traditional treatment options for their condition. This means you must have a diagnosed health condition (physical or mental) that hasn’t improved with standard therapies. These include:

Chronic Pain – e.g. fibromyalgia, arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, nerve pain

Mental Health Conditions – such as PTSD, chronic anxiety, and severe insomnia

Neurological Disorders – epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, cluster headaches

Gastrointestinal Conditions – Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, severe IBS

Cancer-Related Symptoms – nausea, pain, weight loss, or appetite issues from cancer or chemotherapy

Other Complex Conditions – including severe dermatological or autoimmune conditions, and chronic pelvic pain from endometriosis

Palliative Care – end-of-life symptom management

Each case is assessed individually by a specialist to ensure there is clinical evidence that medical cannabis could be beneficial.

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Patient Eligibility Criteria

This service is open to eligible patients only. You will need to meet certain basic criteria before a specialist will consider you for medical cannabis treatment. According to Curaleaf’s guidelines, you are likely eligible for a consultation if:

Tried Standard Treatments: You have tried at least two traditional therapies for your condition and found them ineffective or unsuitable.

Not Pregnant: You are not pregnant (medical cannabis is not recommended during pregnancy).

No Serious Psychiatric History: You do not have a personal history of schizophrenia or psychosis, which are contraindications for cannabis-based therapy.

Medical Records Access: You can provide access to your Summary Care Record (SCR) or relevant medical records from your GP, so the specialist can review your treatment history.

Private Service Acknowledgement: You understand that this is a private service, meaning you will need to pay for the clinic appointments and any prescriptions out-of-pocket (private medical cannabis is not funded by the NHS at this time).

If you meet all the above criteria, it is highly likely you will be considered eligible for an initial consultation. (Meeting the criteria is not a guarantee of treatment; a full clinical assessment by the specialist team is still required to confirm that medical cannabis is appropriate for you.)

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How It Works: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1 – Referral

Use the link below, search Wheatley Pharmacy, and select us as your dispensing pharmacy.
Click here to start your referral.

Step 2 – Eligibility Check

Clinic reviews your details (including Summary Care Record) to confirm if you’re eligible.

Step 3 – Book Appointment

If eligible, book your initial consultation and pay the reduced fee.

Step 4 – Specialist Consultation

Video call with a specialist, followed by multi-disciplinary team review.

Step 5 – Prescription & Dispensing

If approved, a private prescription is sent to Wheatley Pharmacy. Pay and collect your medication.

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The Process in More Detail

Step 1: Referral and Initial Eligibility Check

The first step is to complete an eligibility screening and referral form. This can be done online via the Curaleaf Clinic platform or with our help at the pharmacy. You will need to answer a short set of questions about your health, previous treatments, and provide consent to access your medical records. When filling out the referral form, be sure to select Wheatley Pharmacy (Oxford) as your chosen Curaleaf dispensary, so that your prescription will be sent to us if you are approved. Once submitted, your referral application will be securely transmitted to the specialist clinic for review. (If you prefer, you can also speak to our pharmacist in person – we can guide you through the referral process or even submit a referral on your behalf with the necessary information.)

Step 2: Specialist Clinic Review

After you’ve submitted your referral, the specialist medical cannabis clinic will review your information. A clinical team will look at your medical history, current condition, and treatment records (including your Summary Care Record from your GP). They will determine if you meet the basic criteria and are likely to benefit from medical cannabis. At this stage, the clinic is essentially confirming your eligibility for a full consultation. If anything is missing (for example, they need more information or access to records), they may contact you or your GP. Only patients who meet the eligibility requirements will move forward to the consultation stage – this step is in place to ensure that medical cannabis is a suitable option for you before any fees are incurred.

Step 3: Booking a Consultation

If the clinic review finds you eligible, you will receive an invitation to book an initial consultation with a specialist doctor. You’ll be able to choose an appointment time (these are typically done via telemedicine, so no travel is needed). At the time of booking, you will be asked to pay the consultation fee (approximately £50) to confirm your appointment. The first consultation is usually arranged promptly – often you can schedule it within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on availability. You will also need to complete some final registration details (such as verifying your identity with a photo ID and possibly logging in with your NHS credentials so the clinic can view your GP records securely). Once your appointment is confirmed, the clinic will provide instructions for the video call and any other details needed.

Step 4: Specialist Consultation & Assessment

At the scheduled time, you will have an online consultation (usually via video call, e.g. Zoom) with a specialist doctor who is experienced in prescribing medical cannabis. You can do this from the comfort of your home – there is no need to travel to a clinic in person. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals in depth. They will assess whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you and talk about potential risks and benefits. In many cases, the doctor will then present your case to a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) of healthcare professionals (this happens behind the scenes, often the same day) to confirm that a cannabis prescription is warranted. If the specialist (and their MDT) conclude that medical cannabis could be beneficial and safe for your situation, they will approve treatment. This entire process is thorough and patient-focused – you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and make sure you’re comfortable with the treatment plan. The outcome of this step will be either a recommendation for a medical cannabis prescription (if you’re deemed suitable), or advice on alternative options if the team decides medical cannabis isn’t appropriate in your case.

Step 5: Prescription Issuance and Pharmacy Dispensing

If you are approved for treatment, the specialist clinic will issue a private prescription for medical cannabis, which is sent directly to Wheatley Pharmacy (as your chosen Curaleaf dispensing pharmacy). We will then contact you to confirm we’ve received the prescription and to discuss the next steps. At this stage, you will need to pay for the medication prescribed – since this is a private prescription, the cost will depend on the specific product and quantity prescribed. Our pharmacy team will inform you of the price and arrange payment. Once payment is settled, our trained pharmacist will dispense the medical cannabis product for you.

Collection: Because we serve the Oxford area, your medication will be prepared for collection at our pharmacy. We will let you know when it’s ready, and you (or your representative) can come to Wheatley Pharmacy to pick it up at a convenient time. (Please note: by law, medical cannabis prescriptions must be dispensed by the designated pharmacy and cannot be transferred elsewhere, so you will need to collect it from us in person. We currently do not offer mail delivery for cannabis medicines, due to regulatory and handling considerations.) Our pharmacist will provide counselling on how to use the medication properly and answer any questions you may have at pickup. From here onward, you are officially a medical cannabis patient – the clinic will schedule periodic follow-ups (usually every few months) to monitor your progress and renew your prescription as needed. We will continue to dispense your refills and support you throughout your treatment. If at any point you have concerns or need advice, both our pharmacy and the clinic are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can access medical cannabis treatment?

Medical cannabis is available to patients with certain health conditions where conventional treatments have not provided adequate relief. Eligibility is determined by a specialist doctor following a detailed review of your medical history.

2. What conditions may be considered for treatment?

Conditions commonly considered include chronic pain syndromes, some neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis), certain mental health conditions (e.g., PTSD, anxiety), gastrointestinal diseases, cancer-related symptoms, and palliative care needs. A full list of examples is available further down this page.

3. Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can refer yourself directly via our referral link. However, the specialist clinic will need access to your Summary Care Record or relevant medical notes from your GP.

4. Is this service available on the NHS?

Currently, NHS prescriptions for medical cannabis are limited to a very small number of specific cases. Most patients access treatment privately through specialist clinics, meaning the costs of appointments and prescriptions are self-funded.

5. How much does it cost?

Typical costs include a reduced-fee initial consultation, follow-up appointments, and the cost of the medicine itself. Prices vary depending on the type and quantity of the product prescribed. We will always confirm costs before dispensing.

6. How do I get started?

Begin by completing our online referral form, selecting Wheatley Pharmacy as your dispensing pharmacy. Your application will be reviewed, and if eligible, you’ll be invited to book a consultation with a specialist.

7. How is the consultation carried out?

Consultations are usually conducted online via a secure video call, so you can attend from home. The specialist will discuss your condition, treatment history, and whether medical cannabis is suitable for you.

8. How do I receive my medication?

If treatment is approved, the clinic will send your prescription directly to Wheatley Pharmacy. We will contact you to arrange payment and collection. At present, medical cannabis prescriptions can only be collected in person from our Oxford pharmacy.

9. Will I be monitored after starting treatment?

Yes. The clinic will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, adjust your dosage if needed, and ensure the treatment remains appropriate for you.

10. Can I drive while taking medical cannabis?

You must not drive if you feel impaired. It is your responsibility to ensure you are safe to drive and that you comply with UK drug-driving laws. The specialist will discuss this with you as part of your consultation

What Our Clients Say

Excellent service. Took time to explain everything and provide additional information for self care. Really pleased with the service. Thank you.

Candy Woodington

This is an exceptional pharmacy. They treat every customer with the same degree of care and respect. Staff are patient, friendly and professional

Elizabeth Cooper

The team in Wheatley Pharmacy is very helpful and Pharmacists are very knowledgeable. Very grateful for the service they provide.

Jasjit Singh

PREMIER PHARMACY OXFORD

About Wheatley Pharmacy

Where are we located?

As Oxford’s premier Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we are conveniently located just minutes away from the A40 for ease of access. With one of the largest patient bases in Oxford, we are committed to delivering top-notch healthcare services and travel vaccinations. Our centre takes pride in offering ample on-site parking for 36 cars, inclusive of dedicated spaces for individuals with disabilities. Contact us today.