MedCann ID: “We’re building the tools to empower patients”

Hundreds of patients have signed up to the UK’s largest legal medical cannabis identification system, which is giving them a say in the future of the sector.

The UK’s largest legally prescribed medical cannabis patient validation system, MedCannID launched its pilot scheme in September last year.

Since then, over 500 legally prescribed cannabis patients have registered for the scheme, with an almost 100 percent take-up rate, and the pilot scheme ended as a fully operational system for patients was launched this month

The MedCannID card offers simple and effective identification for medical cannabis patients with a unique tamper-proof holographic physical photo ID card and accompanying app.

It means patients, who have been legitimately prescribed cannabis medicines by their doctor, no longer have to live in fear of being subjected to police checks.

The card is also a vital tool for helping tackle the stigma patients may face and opens up a conversation about medical cannabis, such as in the workplace, out in the community or with landlords or estate agents.

“MedCannID provides a voice for legal patients so they no longer have to live in fear, as well as raising awareness of medical cannabis with the relevant authorities,” says founder, Mario Panteli, who has over 20 years experience in cannabis advocacy and patient support services.

His company, Numeds provided the first medical cannabis prescription to an adult patient in the UK in November 2018.

“The response since we launched the pilot scheme has been fantastic and we are starting to see it being really beneficial to the group of patients, but we have only just scratched the surface,” he continues.

“There are many more areas to be tackled, such as inequality in the workplace once they have taken the legal route.”

As well as the physical confirmation of a patient’s legal status, the MedcannID membership gives patients access to the UK’s largest legally prescribed medical cannabis patients group, with patient related information, shared resources and a patient forum coming soon.

To sign up patients need to register, upload and verify a copy of their latest prescription – they may need a referral letter from a current doctor, or may be able to self-refer with their own medical records.

The MedCannID app then contains details on the amount and type of cannabis that has been prescribed to the patient, with a direct link to a copy of the prescription.

The team behind it believe this data will have a significant influence on the types of new products which are developed for the market and the sector as a whole.

“We’re trying to build the tools that empower patients,” Marios continues.

“Currently there is nowhere patients can access a list of cannabis-based medicines on the market, but through MedCannID we can compile a list of what products are actually available, to enable patients to be more active in their choices.”

Following its success in the UK, MedCannID will shortly be expanding across Europe, with conversations happening in countries such as Poland, Portugal and Greece, where access to cannabis medicines is improving.

“I don’t think there’s a scheme like this in Europe, in the way we are tracking access to cannabis and allowing patients to shape the industry,” Marios adds.

“Ultimately, the cannabis industry should be patient-led and it’s the patients that drive our mission at MedCannID.”