Frequently
Asked Questions

CBPM Questions

At MAMEDICA we pride ourselves on offering the highest service to support you on your journey to health. Our specialists are always on hand if you have any other queries.
What should you do if you experience side effects?

CBPMs, like any other medication may produce side effects. Typically, these occur during the start of your treatment plan and tend to be very mild, often wearing off within a few hours. We recommend drinking water or taking a cold shower. Some common side effects are nausea, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, diarrhoea, euphoria, thought impairment, increase appetite, low blood pressure and increase heart rate.

If you experience any side effects, please get in contact with your prescriber via telephone or via our contact us page.

What are the different types of CBPMs used for?

CBPM oil and solid fill capsules are for oral use only, whereas dried flower and vape cartridges are for inhalation using a vaporising device.

How long do CBPMs take to work?

Some patients find that CBPM oil used orally has a gradual effect in comparison to inhaled cannabis. You should take your CBPM as advised by your consultant. When starting your first dose, we advise staying in a comfortable space like your home until you know how the medicine will affect you.

How do I dispose of CBPMs?

Any medication past its expiry date should be disposed of at your pharmacy. Please speak with your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do CBPMs expire?

The expiry date of the medicine can be found on the product packaging.

What is in CBPMs?

Many CBPMs are full-spectrum plant extracts. This means they contain not only THC and CBD, but also minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds.

How long should CBPMs be used for?

CBPMs should be continued for as long as your consultant recommends.

Can you drink alcohol?

We recommend to not drink alcohol while consuming CBPMs. If some cases, alcohol and CBPMs can result in an impairment of judgement.

What if you forget or miss a dose?

You should take your medication as soon as possible when you remember. Do not take an extra dose or increase the amount of your next dose to make up for the one you missed. Ask your consultant or contact the Mamedica team if you are unsure of what to do.

Can you use CBPM oil for inhalation?

CBPM oil is for oral use only and should not be used for inhalation.

What if you want to stop taking CBPMs?

Speak with your consultant if you no longer wish to take CBPMs.

Can you operate machinery?

Avoid driving or using heavy machinery while taking CBPMs. If you do feel lightheaded, dizzy, sleepy or if you have double vision, do not drive, or use heavy machinery. You should not take part in any other activities where this could put yourself or others at risk. For further information please visit GOV.UK

Can I travel with CBPMs?

When travelling, there may be restrictions about what you can bring in or take out of the countries you’re travelling to and from. CBPMs are highly regulated and may not be legal to possess in some countries, even with a consultant’s prescription. Please consult the following page before travelling with CBPMs: GOV.UK

Payment Questions

Can I use PIP or DLA benefits to access CBPMs?

Yes, if you qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) then you could be eligible to access cannabis based medicines. All claims and any questions on this should be submitted to the GOV.UK

Can I share my prescription with another patient?

Your medical cannabis dosage and type of medicine has been prescribed exclusively for you and your personal condition. Please refrain from sharing this with anyone else.

How do I take oral oils?

The most effective way to take cannabis oil is sublingually, where the oil is placed under the tongue. Oils typically come with an oral syringe which allows accurate measurement of a prescribed dosage.

We recommend consuming oral products with a fatty meal to aid absorption into the body. Oral syringes can be gently washed in warm soapy water, rinsed, and left to air dry.

Can I become addicted to medical cannabis, and does it cause withdrawal symptoms?

Prescriptions for medical cannabis that contain THC are prescribed in far low dosages compared to recreational street cannabis. This means the chances of becoming addicted or experiencing withdrawal symptoms are reduced.

High levels of THC, as found in recreational street cannabis has been found to have a small risk of addiction. However, the risk of addiction is far lower when compared to strong painkillers such as opioids.

How does your medicinal CBD differ to what I’m able to buy on the high street?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a predominant compound derived from the cannabis plant and is used for its medical properties for a range of conditions.

CBD is available to buy over the counter as a wellness product and is classed as a novel food (meaning it does not have to meet the same strict regulations regarding its production and content compared with medicinal CBD.)

Can patients bake medicinal cannabis? 

We do not advise baking or consuming your medical cannabis via any other methods other than what your doctor has prescribed you to do so.

How can I order a repeat prescription or adjust my medication?

All repeat prescriptions will be recommended by your doctor during a follow up consultation. Please contact the clinic for any requests in ordering or changing your medication.

How do you vape using medicinal cannabis?

Vaping medical cannabis involves heating the flower to a temperature where the active compounds in the flower boil and are converted into vapor, which is then inhaled. This is done using a dry herb vaporiser.

What is available on your approved list of medicines?

Our approved list of medicines includes all medication produced by the following brands: Adven, Aurora, Aurora Pedanios, Columbia Care, Fotmer, Grow, Khiron, Satoline, Spectrum, Tilray and Together Pharma. We encourage all patients to have an open and informed conversation about their prescription preference during consultations.