YOUR FIRST STEP
Could you be eligible for an assessment?
KernowCann provides specialist assessment for adults who have not had sufficient benefit from conventional treatment, have experienced unacceptable side effects, or for whom previous treatments have otherwise been unsuitable.
We commonly assess people living with persistent pain and are able to discuss the potential of treatment for patients living with many other chronic conditions.
Being eligible for an assessment does not mean that medicinal cannabis will necessarily be appropriate for you or that a prescription will be recommended. The purpose of your assessment is for you and your clinician to consider this together.
Our initial eligibility criteria
Before we arrange a clinical assessment, there are some important things we need to establish.
You must have a confirmed diagnosis
The condition you are seeking help with must have been clearly recorded in your medical records.
We cannot prescribe solely on the basis of symptoms or a self-diagnosis. Your medical records help us confirm your diagnosis and understand the investigations, treatments and care you have previously received.
You must have tried at least two appropriate treatments
Medicinal cannabis is not generally considered a first-line treatment.
To be considered for treatment through KernowCann, you will usually need to have tried at least two appropriate treatments for your diagnosed condition that have not provided sufficient benefit, have caused unacceptable side effects or have otherwise been clinically unsuitable.
These do not necessarily have to be medications. What constitutes an appropriate previous treatment depends on your condition and will be considered individually.
We also consider your work and everyday activities
Your health is only part of the picture.Some treatments may have implications for your work, responsibilities or home environment. We will therefore ask about your occupation and relevant everyday activities as part of assessing whether treatment can be used safely.
Treatment must be clinically appropriate and safe for you
Even when you meet the initial criteria, there may be reasons why medicinal cannabis would not be appropriate or could present an unacceptable risk.
We will consider your wider health, medical history, current medicines and any conditions that may make treatment unsuitable. We may sometimes need additional information or discussion with another healthcare professional before a decision can be made.
Being eligible for an assessment does not mean that medicinal cannabis will necessarily be appropriate for you or that a prescription will be recommended.
What happens next?
If you would like to discuss the potential of treatment through KernowCann please reach out and talk to us here
Access to medicinal cannabis in the UK
Medicinal cannabis can legally be prescribed in the UK, but access through the NHS remains very limited. Most people currently receiving unlicensed cannabis-based medicines access their treatment through private specialist services and pay for their consultations and medicines themselves.
We believe you should understand the likely costs and ongoing commitment involved before deciding whether to proceed. These can be seen on our Costs page.