Behind the Prescription: The Role of Clinics and Prescribers in Medicinal Cannabis Care

By Gary Whipp, CEO, Medicann Clinics

As we mark Medicinal Cannabis Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the deeper role that clinics and prescribers play in ensuring safe, responsible, and patient-centred access to medicinal cannabis.

At Medicann Clinics, our ethos is simple: every patient deserves personalised, professional care. The path to becoming a medicinal cannabis patient is unique for everyone; it’s deeply individual and deserving of expertise, empathy, and clinical integrity.

A Patient-First Approach: Understanding the Individual Journey

No two patients are alike. Each has a distinct medical history, a different condition, and a unique endocannabinoid system, which is the biological network that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and pain.

That’s why Medicann’s care model begins with understanding each person’s needs. For many, medicinal cannabis represents hope after exhausting traditional treatments. Building trust and providing clear education are essential parts of that journey.

To make the process simple, we use our Medicann 4-Step Model:

1. Check Eligibility – Complete a quick 2-minute online check.
2. Consultation – Meet with a specialist doctor to discuss your medical history and treatment options.
3. Prescription – If appropriate, receive a tailored treatment plan.
4. Ongoing Care – Benefit from continuous monitoring, dose adjustments, and support.

"Patient-centred care is about more than access; it’s about ensuring patients receive informed guidance, appropriate support, and continuity of care from trusted professionals," says Mike Morgan-Miles, CEO of the Cannabis Industry Council. "Clinics like Medicann reflect the growing focus on ethical, evidence-led, and compassionate practice that the CIC advocates for across the sector" 

Why Prescriber Expertise Matters

A medicinal cannabis prescription requires more than willingness; it requires deep knowledge. Prescribers must be specially trained, understanding both the science and practical application of cannabis-based medicines.

All Medicann doctors are registered with the General Medical Council and have completed specialist cannabis prescribing training. Many bring decades of clinical experience in pain management, neurology, and psychiatry backgrounds that ensure safe and effective patient outcomes.

One of our leading specialists, Dr Sunny Nayee, has helped hundreds of patients manage chronic pain through tailored cannabinoid therapy.

“After more than 20 years of chronic pain, I finally found lasting relief with medical cannabis thanks to Dr Nayee’s care,” says D. Callanan, Medicann patient.

Such transformations happen when prescribers take time to understand not only the medicine, but the person behind it.

“Our prescribers are not just qualified, they are leaders in the field of cannabinoid medicine,” notes CEO Gary Whipp. “The quality of care starts with the expertise of those writing the prescription.”

Multidisciplinary Care: The Power of Collaboration

Prescribing medicinal cannabis is never a quick or isolated decision. At Medicann, we use a multidisciplinary model, bringing together doctors, pharmacists, nurse specialists, and caseworkers to assess each patient’s needs holistically.

From eligibility assessment to ongoing monitoring, our collaborative process ensures each treatment plan is evidence-based, safe, and tailored.

"The role of a clinic is not just to prescribe, but to guide patients through every stage of their treatment journey, from assessments to follow-ups," adds Mike Morgan-Miles. "Integrated care models, that draw on diverse clinical expertise, ensure care remains consistent, accountable and centred on patient well-being" 

Looking Ahead: Elevating Standards Across the Industry

As the medicinal cannabis field continues to evolve, clinics and prescribers share a responsibility to raise standards and build public trust. Medicann is proud to be a member of the Cannabis Industry Council, working with peers to promote ethical, evidence-led practice across the UK and Channel Islands.

We’re also committed to:

• Educating patients on safe and legal use - including workplace, travel, and driving guidance.
• Sustainable operations - partnering with environmentally responsible suppliers.
• Ensuring broad medication access through a diverse, consistent formulary.

Final Word

Medicinal cannabis care is healthcare, and patients deserve nothing less than excellence.

At Medicann, we believe in THC: Transparency, Honesty, and Care.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about prescriptions. It’s about people.

At Medicann, you matter.