Bristol's first medical cannabis centre has launched in Redland.
The MyAccess service in Redland Court Road's May Wellness Centre is only the second medical cannabis clinic in the UK to get a licence, which the CQC announced last night (November 13).
The Government legalised medical cannabis last November and now the May Wellness Centre can start assessing patients with conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Anyone can book a consultation at the clinic. If a patient is found to be suitable for a prescription, they can pick it up from pharmacies such as Boots, which would place an order from a wholesaler.
Initial consultations costing £150 are now available at the clinic. Follow-up consultations cost £50.
Leila Simpson, deputy CEO of the United Patients Alliance, said: “The CQC’s decision is incredibly significant in providing real hope to thousands of families trying to access medical cannabis for their loved ones.
"Patients have remained frustrated by the slow uptake of prescriptions in both the NHS and private sector, and we call on the Government to urgently increase the speed of access to these vital medicines with uninterrupted supply based on patient need.”
'Over the moon'
Bruce is a 45-year-old army veteran who has a long history of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).
The Devon resident hopes he will be eligible for medical cannabis at the clinic.
He said: “I’m over the moon by this exciting news. For years I’ve been desperately trying to access medical cannabis for my CPTSD and the thought of now being safely prescribed in Bristol fills me with excitement.”
Graham Woodward, clinical director at MyAccess, said: “We’re delighted to have received our CQC registration, which I’m confident will be a turning point for patients who have so far been unable to access medical cannabis.
"I hope this brings renewed hope for the reported 1.4 million people in the UK using ‘street cannabis’ to treat their chronic health conditions that a legitimately sourced, high quality medical cannabis alternative is available."
The CQC licence means patients can be prescribed in the Bristol clinic, but it also allows MyAccess specialists to provide home care services for those too unwell to travel.
Dr Oscar D’Agnone, consultant psychiatrist with MyAccess, said: “I’ve seen the transformative benefits of medical cannabis first-hand and I am really pleased to be able to start assessing patients in a CQC-registered clinic."
If you would like to find out more, visit www.myaccessclinics.co.uk.
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