Free Health Updates
Skip to main content
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

Are Multidisciplinary Teams Including Cannabis in Dementia Treatment? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

As medical cannabis gains attention in the UK, some families and clinicians are asking whether it is being considered by multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) caring for people with dementia. While the law allows cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) to be prescribed by specialists, most dementia MDTs do not yet include cannabis as part of routine treatment planning. 

Can medical cannabis be accessed legally for women’s health?

How Multidisciplinary Dementia Teams Work 

MDTs bring together specialists such as geriatricians, psychiatrists, neurologists, pharmacists, and nurses to manage complex symptoms. According to NICE dementia guidance (NG97), person-centred care should focus on communication, environmental support, and behavioural strategies before considering medication changes. 

At present, cannabinoids are not listed within NICE-recommended dementia interventions. Instead, MDTs discuss cannabis only in rare cases where a patient has an unrelated condition, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic pain, that already qualifies for cannabis-based treatment under NICE NG144. 

Current Legal and Clinical Framework 

Under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, cannabis-based medicinal products are Schedule 2 controlled drugs, requiring prescription and oversight by a specialist doctor on the GMC register (NHS England, 2023). 

For dementia, cannabis remains off-label. MDTs can only discuss its potential within strict research or specialist contexts, ensuring ethical and legal compliance. If a CBPM is prescribed, the team must document its use within the patient’s care plan, detailing dose, purpose, and review schedule in accordance with NICE SC1. 

Ethical And Practical Considerations 

The Alzheimer’s Society advises that any consideration of cannabis must follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (UK legislation), ensuring informed consent or best-interest decisions. MDTs are also responsible for monitoring and reporting side effects, such as sedation or confusion, using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. According to the CQC Controlled Drugs Annual Report 2024, staff involved in cannabis administration must be trained in controlled-drug procedures, storage, and documentation. 

Clinical Bottom Line 

  • Most dementia MDTs do not include cannabis as part of standard treatment. 
  • Discussions may occur for off-label use under specialist oversight. 
  • All cannabis-related decisions must follow NICE, CQC, and legal frameworks. 
  • Ethical consent and continuous review are mandatory for any use. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

AlleviMed provides educational information about the regulated use of medical cannabis in the UK. It helps professionals understand how cannabis fits within multidisciplinary frameworks, ensuring legal, ethical, and clinical alignment when discussed in dementia care. 

Takeaway 

While multidisciplinary teams play a vital role in dementia care, cannabis is not yet part of routine treatment planning. Its use remains limited to research and exceptional specialist cases, requiring strict legal compliance, ethical oversight, and a shared focus on person-centred wellbeing. 

Julia Sutton, MSc
Author

Julia Sutton is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and experience providing psychological assessment and therapy to adolescents and adults. Skilled in CBT, client-centered therapy, and evidence-based interventions, she has worked with conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and conversion disorder. She also has experience in child psychology, conducting psycho-educational evaluations and developing tailored treatment plans to improve learning and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD
Reviewer

Dr. Clarissa Morton is a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and experience across hospital, community, and industrial pharmacy. She has worked in emergency, outpatient, and inpatient pharmacy settings, providing patient counseling, dispensing medications, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Alongside her pharmacy expertise, she has worked as a Support Plan & Risk Assessment (SPRA) officer and in medical coding, applying knowledge of medical terminology, EMIS, and SystmOne software to deliver accurate, compliant healthcare documentation. Her skills span medication safety, regulatory standards, healthcare data management, and statistical reporting.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewers's privacy. 

Categories