What does Specials stand for?
Specials: Unlicensed Specials
Medicines prepared or imported for an individual patient where no licensed product is available or suitable. The vast majority of CBPM prescriptions in the UK are unlicensed specials.
Where you will see it
In the guides, explaining how most products reach patients.
What CBPMs areRelated terms
- CBPM (Cannabis-Based Medicinal Product)
The legal term in UK law for any preparation containing cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol, or cannabinol derivative produced for medicinal use. Defined in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 as amended in 2018.
- Controlled drug prescription
A prescription for a medicine controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, which includes cannabis-based medicines. It is valid for 28 days from the date on it.
- MDT (Multidisciplinary Team)
A team of healthcare professionals from different disciplines who collaborate on patient care. Better medical cannabis clinics use MDT review before issuing prescriptions, involving specialists in the relevant condition.
- Named Patient
A framework allowing doctors to prescribe unlicensed medicines for individual patients with a specific unmet clinical need. Most CBPM prescriptions in the UK are issued on this basis.
- PLEA (Patient-Led Engagement for Access)
A UK patient organisation focused on improving access to medical cannabis for patients, conducting surveys and advocacy work.
This is a plain-language definition for general understanding, not medical or legal advice.
All 101 terms