Championing Clinician Education
At Curaleaf Laboratories, we believe that education is the cornerstone of progress in the medical cannabis space. That’s why we’ve proudly partnered with the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) to further our shared mission: empowering clinicians with credible, practical education on cannabis-based medicines.
Clinician education is such a vital part of our work, and this partnership is an exciting step towards reaching even more healthcare professionals across the UK.
Our Journey to Curaleaf Laboratories
Curaleaf Laboratories began its journey as Rokshaw Laboratories, founded by brothers Jonathan and Richard Hodgson in 2012. For over a decade, we’ve specialised in the manufacture of ‘specials’ – unlicensed medicines designed to meet specific patient needs.
When medical cannabis was legalised in 2018, we were in a strong position to respond. Drawing on our years of experience with unlicensed medicines, we shifted our focus towards cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs), becoming one of the UK’s most established and trusted manufacturers in this growing sector.
“A lot of the original team who helped establish our work in specials and unlicensed medicines are still with us today,” says Jonathan Hodgson, now UK Managing Director of Curaleaf International. “That continuity gives us an edge when it comes to both quality and regulatory expertise.”
“We’ve long been helping patients and clinicians navigate unmet clinical needs. Now, with medical cannabis, we’re able to apply that same experience to widen access for the hundreds of thousands of patients who could benefit from these medicines in the years ahead.”
Why Education Matters
Over the years, we’ve worked closely with healthcare professionals to support their understanding of unlicensed medicines. What we’ve learned is that unfamiliarity and scepticism can be a real barrier. This is especially true when it comes to cannabis-based medicines, where the clinical landscape is still evolving.
That’s why clinician education is such a central part of our strategy. We know that empowering doctors with balanced, evidence-led information is key to ensuring that medical cannabis is prescribed safely and effectively, to the right patients, at the right time.
While much of the sector’s focus is on patient demand, we believe true progress starts with the prescribers. By equipping clinicians with the tools and confidence to explore cannabis-based treatment options, we can unlock wider patient access and increase public trust.
“Providing education has always been a priority for us” says Hodgson.
Our team regularly attends educational events across the country, often hosted by prestigious institutions such as the British Pain Society. But even now, many healthcare professionals aren’t aware that CBPMs are legally available to prescribe.
Supporting Clinics and Prescribers
Beyond education, we actively support clinics and prescribers through workshops, in-practice sessions, and tailored content. Our in-house programme offers guidance on everything from CQC registration and insurance to dosing protocols and formulary development.
We also assist with prescription pad support and help new private prescribers navigate the practicalities of working with unlicensed medicines. Whether a clinic is already prescribing CBPMs or considering how to integrate them into chronic care pathways, we’re here to help them take the next step.
Partnering with MCCS to Expand Impact
To build on this work, we’re excited to partner with the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society. This collaboration allows us to support their well-established clinician education initiatives and reach even more professionals across the UK.
By combining our hands-on experience with MCCS’s respected education programmes, we aim to overcome both the practical and perceptual barriers to prescribing medical cannabis.
“Our partnership with MCCS solidifies our commitment to advancing clinician education in this space” says Hodgson. “We’ve already made big waves, but we look forward to further improving our programme with the help of the expertise of the MCCS.”
Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the MCCS, shared: “The Society is very grateful to have the support of Curaleaf Laboratories. We believe the shared values and vision of the team will enable us to continue our work empowering professionals with evidence-based CPD-accredited cannabis education, and we look forward to working together with the ultimate goal of enabling more patients to benefit from these therapies.”
Looking Ahead
At Curaleaf Laboratories, we’re passionate about helping clinicians gain the knowledge and tools they need to confidently explore cannabis-based treatments. This isn’t just about filling a gap in the system; it’s about redefining what’s possible in patient care.
With the support of MCCS and our continued commitment to clinician-first education, we’re looking forward to shaping a future where medical cannabis is a trusted, accessible option for those who need it most.
If you are a specialist prescriber looking to take your first steps in your medical cannabis journey with support from Curaleaf Laboratories and the MCCS, get in touch with our team today!