Medical cannabis FAQ - 30 common questions

Who can receive a prescription for medical cannabis?

A prescription can be issued by a doctor of any specialty who determines that the therapy is clinically justified. There is no closed list of authorised specialists - medical cannabis patients are treated by neurologists, oncologists, psychiatrists, orthopaedists and general practitioners. At CannabisMedic, consultations are conducted by Dr Olha Kompaniiets and Dr Shelest, who assess the patient's health and medical records during an in-person appointment. For more about the prescription process, see how to get a medical cannabis prescription.

What conditions qualify for medical cannabis therapy?

Polish law does not define a closed list of indications - the doctor assesses individually whether the benefits outweigh the risks. The most common indications include: chronic pain (neuropathic, oncological, inflammatory), multiple sclerosis with spasticity, drug-resistant epilepsy, insomnia, generalised anxiety, PTSD, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and inflammatory bowel disease. A detailed assessment is carried out by the doctor during the consultation. If you suffer from chronic pain, read also medical cannabis for chronic pain.

Do I need medical records before the appointment?

Medical documentation is not formally required, but it significantly facilitates and speeds up the qualification process. It is worth bringing hospital discharge summaries, test results, descriptions of previously used medications, or specialist referral letters. The more complete the picture of the medical history, the more accurately the doctor can assess whether medical cannabis is the right solution. Lack of documentation does not disqualify the patient - the doctor conducts a detailed interview and may ask for documents to be provided at the next follow-up appointment.

Do I have to try other treatments first?

There is no legal requirement to exhaust all other treatment options before qualifying for medical cannabis therapy. The doctor assesses the patient's overall health: the course of the disease, previous treatments, tolerance of conventional medications, and clinical justification. In practice, many patients come to CannabisMedic after long-term, ineffective, or poorly tolerated conventional treatment. If conventional methods are effective and well tolerated, the doctor may not qualify the patient for therapy.

Can the doctor refuse to issue a prescription?

Yes - the doctor has every right to refuse if they determine that the therapy is not clinically justified or poses significant risk to the patient. Refusal may result from medical contraindications: a history of severe psychotic disorder, active psychotic disorder, pregnancy or breastfeeding, severe liver failure, being under 18 years of age (with exceptions), or insufficient clinical justification. The doctor explains the reasons for the decision and may propose an alternative therapeutic approach.

Is there a minimum patient age?

As a rule, medical cannabis therapy is intended for adults (18+). In exceptional paediatric cases - such as drug-resistant epilepsy - cannabis treatment is possible, but requires special care, involvement of parents or legal guardians, and specialist supervision. At CannabisMedic, we routinely see patients from the age of 18. Those with questions about minor children are asked to contact us by phone in advance to establish whether and under what conditions a consultation can take place.

What does the first consultation at CannabisMedic look like?

The first qualifying appointment typically lasts 30-45 minutes and consists of several stages: a detailed interview about medical history and previous treatment, assessment of the current health status, review of the medical documents brought along, and a discussion of the patient's expectations and lifestyle. The doctor explains how the therapy works, what forms of the preparation are available, and how to start safely. If the appointment ends with qualification, the e-prescription arrives by SMS on the same day. Read also what to expect at the first appointment.

How long does the appointment take?

The first qualifying consultation lasts from 30 to 45 minutes - that is the time needed for a thorough interview and discussion of the treatment plan. A follow-up appointment (continuation of therapy) is shorter: it usually lasts 20-30 minutes and focuses on assessing the effects of treatment, any adjustment of dosage, and issuing a new prescription. It is worth booking the appointment with a little extra time so you do not feel rushed during the conversation with the doctor - details matter and affect the quality of therapy.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes - you can bring a companion to CannabisMedic (a partner, parent, or adult child). Having a close person present can be helpful, especially when the patient has communication difficulties, memory problems, or simply wants support when making therapeutic decisions. The companion may take part in the consultation with the patient's consent. We ask that companions do not participate in the prescription process - that is a decision solely between the doctor and the patient.

Is the consultation confidential?

Yes - the medical consultation is covered by doctor-patient confidentiality. Information shared with the doctor during the appointment is not disclosed to third parties without the patient's consent - not to an employer, family members, or law enforcement (except in situations provided for by law, such as an immediate threat to life). Medical data is stored in accordance with GDPR regulations. The prescription is sent only to the patient as an SMS code and is filled by them personally at a pharmacy using their identity document.

How quickly will I receive my e-prescription after the appointment?

In the event of a successful qualification, the e-prescription is issued on the same day - usually within a few minutes of the end of the consultation. The prescription code arrives by SMS to the phone number provided during registration. The prescription is valid for 30 days from the date of issue (for preparations containing THC). If you have not received an SMS with the prescription by noon, check the phone number provided during registration or contact the clinic - operator delays do occasionally occur.

Is the appointment in-person or online?

Appointments at CannabisMedic are exclusively in-person - held at one of our clinics: in Krakow, Bydgoszcz, Torun, or Kielce. Direct contact with the doctor allows for a reliable clinical assessment and is a requirement for the initial qualification. We do not offer online, telephone, or video consultations. Choose your city and date on our website - slot availability can be checked in the booking widget. Follow-up appointments are also held in person at the chosen location.

How much does the first appointment at CannabisMedic cost?

The first qualifying consultation costs 169 PLN. The price includes the full medical appointment, interview, documentation review, qualification decision, and - if qualification is successful - issuing the e-prescription on the same day. There are no hidden fees or registration costs. Payment is possible online when booking or in person at the clinic. For more information about the total cost of therapy, including the price of the product, see appointment and product price list for 2026.

How much does a follow-up appointment (continuation) cost?

A follow-up appointment - for patients continuing therapy - costs 149 PLN. This is a lower rate than for the first consultation, as the doctor already has the treatment history and focuses on assessing results and any necessary adjustments to the therapy. Follow-up appointments are usually held every 30 days, corresponding to the prescription validity period. Regular contact with the doctor is important for the safety and effectiveness of therapy - we do not recommend extending breaks between appointments beyond 30-45 days.

How much does medical cannabis cost at the pharmacy?

The price of the product at the pharmacy depends on the manufacturer, the form of the preparation (dried flower, oil, capsules), and the cannabinoid content (THC/CBD). As a rough guide, medical dried flower costs from 30 to 55 PLN per gram, and oils from 200 to 600 PLN per package. The monthly quantity depends on the dosage recommended by the doctor - typically 10-30 g of dried flower or 1-2 packages of oil. It is worth comparing prices at pharmacies, as they can vary. A detailed cost breakdown can be found in the medical cannabis therapy price list.

What is the approximate monthly cost of therapy?

The total monthly cost consists of two elements: the follow-up appointment (149 PLN) and the cost of the medication at the pharmacy (approximately 300-1200 PLN per month, depending on dosage and form). With a typical dried flower dosage of 15-20 g per month (costing approximately 600-900 PLN), the total cost is around 750-1050 PLN per month. With oils, costs may be higher. Some patients use lower doses and stay within 400-600 PLN in total - everything depends on the individual treatment plan.

Does the NFZ (public health insurance) reimburse medical cannabis?

Unfortunately, the NFZ does not reimburse medical cannabis in Poland - neither prescriptions nor qualifying appointments. The patient bears the full cost of treatment. This is a significant barrier to access, particularly for chronically ill patients with lower incomes. Some private health insurance policies may cover the cost of medical appointments - it is worth checking the terms of your policy. Patient organisations are actively advocating for the inclusion of this therapy in public reimbursement in the future.

Are there any additional fees when booking or at the appointment?

There are no registration fees or hidden costs. You pay only for the appointment: 169 PLN for the first consultation or 149 PLN for a follow-up. Cancellation of a booking is possible - check the cancellation policy details when booking online. The e-prescription is included in the appointment price - there are no separate fees for issuing it. You purchase your medication independently at a pharmacy of your choice using the SMS code; the pharmacy is not affiliated with the clinic and applies its own catalogue prices.

Is medical cannabis legal in Poland?

Yes - medical cannabis has been fully legal in Poland since 2017 under an amendment to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction. A doctor can issue a prescription for preparations containing THC and CBD, and the patient fills it at a pharmacy like any other medication. Possessing the medication on the basis of a valid prescription is legal. Details of the legal regulations are described in the article medical cannabis and the law in Poland. Important: possessing cannabis without a prescription remains a criminal offence.

Can I drive during therapy?

This is one of the most important questions - and it requires an honest answer. THC present in the bloodstream can be detected by a drug test for several days to several weeks after the last use, even when the patient feels no psychoactive effects. Polish law prohibits driving a vehicle with detectable THC in the blood, regardless of holding a prescription. A full discussion of this topic can be found in the article medical cannabis and driving - the doctor discusses this individually during the appointment.

Can I travel abroad with my medication?

Travelling with medical cannabis abroad is complicated and potentially risky. Within the EU there are no uniform regulations - each country has its own rules, and a medication legally prescribed in Poland may be illegal in the destination country. For a flight, it is recommended to bring a translation of the prescription and a letter from the doctor, but this does not provide any legal guarantee. Before travelling abroad, be sure to check the regulations of the specific country and consult both a doctor and a lawyer specialising in pharmaceutical law.

Will my employer find out about my therapy?

No - the treating doctor is bound by medical confidentiality and does not share information about the therapy with the employer. A sick note does not contain a diagnosis or names of medications. An exception applies to professions requiring psychophysical assessments, such as professional drivers, pilots, and uniformed service personnel - in these cases, health and safety regulations may provide for testing for psychoactive substances, and it is worth discussing the situation with an occupational health physician in advance. The prescription is confidential; the pharmacy has no obligation to inform the employer.

Can the police check my prescription?

The police can conduct a drug test (saliva/blood) and detect THC even during lawful therapy. Carrying the medication is legal - it is advisable to have the prescription or a printout of it as proof of lawful acquisition. However, detection of THC in the blood while driving a vehicle may result in a charge, even with a prescription. The e-prescription is registered in the P1 system - authorised medical services can verify it. In practice, it is worth carrying a printout or screenshot of the prescription code, especially when transporting the medication.

Can I buy medical cannabis without a prescription?

No - purchasing medical cannabis (dried flower, oils, or THC capsules) without a doctor's prescription is illegal in Poland. Pharmacies dispense THC preparations exclusively on the basis of a valid prescription with a code from the P1 system. Dietary supplements and CBD products available without a prescription contain trace amounts of THC (below 0.2%) or no THC at all - they do not have comparable therapeutic effects. Purchasing recreational cannabis on the black market is a criminal offence and exposes the buyer to legal consequences and health risks (unknown composition, contaminants).

What are the side effects of medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis, like any medication, can cause side effects. The most common include: dry mouth, fatigue or drowsiness, short-term memory disturbances, increased heart rate, a drop in blood pressure (especially when standing up), and - at high THC doses - feelings of anxiety or worry. In most patients these symptoms resolve after dosage adjustment. A full discussion can be found in the article on side effects. The doctor discusses the risks individually during the qualification appointment.

How long does it take for medical cannabis to take effect?

The onset time depends on the form of the preparation and the route of administration. Inhaled dried flower (vaporisation) works fastest - effects are felt within 5-15 minutes and last 2-4 hours. Sublingual oils take effect within 15-45 minutes and last 4-8 hours. Oral capsules take the longest - the effect appears after 30-120 minutes and can last 6-12 hours. The doctor discusses dosage details and onset times individually. Read also the dosage guide.

Can medical cannabis be combined with other medications?

Yes, but with great care and only under medical supervision. Cannabinoids are metabolised by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver, which means they can affect the blood levels of other medications - including anticoagulants (warfarin), anti-epileptic drugs, benzodiazepines, and certain antidepressants. Combining with alcohol increases sedation. Always inform the doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking - based on this list, they will assess the safety of the therapy and select the appropriate form of the preparation.

Is medical cannabis addictive?

This question requires an honest, evidence-based answer: yes, there is a risk of psychological dependence with long-term use - estimated at approximately 9% of users overall, but lower with therapeutic use under medical supervision. Physical dependence is far less common than with opioids. Appropriate dosage, regular follow-up appointments, and the right form of the preparation minimise the risk. A full discussion of this topic can be found in the article is medical cannabis addictive. The doctor assesses the risk individually.

What does continuing treatment look like?

After the first qualifying appointment, the patient returns for a follow-up appointment approximately every 30 days (the validity of the prescription for THC preparations). During the follow-up appointment (149 PLN), the doctor assesses the effects of therapy, adjusts the dosage or form of the preparation if necessary, and issues a new prescription. Regular appointments allow the safety and effectiveness of treatment to be monitored. There is no predetermined duration of therapy - it depends on the response to treatment and the doctor's decision. Some patients use the therapy for many years with good results.

In what forms is medical cannabis available?

In Polish pharmacies, three main forms are available: dried flower for vaporisation (not for smoking - heat destroys cannabinoids), sublingual oils, and oral capsules. The choice of form depends on the indication, the patient's lifestyle, and the expected duration of effect. Vaporisation gives a rapid effect for acute pain, oils are discreet and convenient, and capsules provide predictable dosing. A full discussion of each form can be found in the article forms of medical cannabis administration. The doctor recommends the form best suited to the patient's needs.