Medical cannabis prescription and claiming PIP

cwatson0000

I suppose this might be a niche topic for this forum but was wondering if anyone is claiming pip or UC work capability elements and is using medical cannabis as one of their prescribed medications for a health condition? I ask because im thinking of doing this via a private doctor since it’s been legal in the uk since 2018. Do the assessors take it seriously or do they then just suppose well they’re high all the time instead and think the claim is just a joke… just wondering if anyone would have some input on this and whether or not it would make the pip claim go not in favour due to the assessor not realising that cannabis is also a medicine. I would be using it for insomnia, depression and anxiety and I understand there is a criteria to be approved for medical cannabis alternative medicine and I do meet it.

waylander9602

Nope, you most definitely wont get it.

SwiftFox

I hope you’re not driving too.

Mr_Shoes_Tied

Hmm I think you may face some ignorance on the part of the assessors but it shouldn't mean a straight no (or yes) for your claim because medication is just one part of it?

Rosie_Scope

Hi @cwatson0000, usually PIP and UC health claims are more about your conditions and how they affect you based around certain day-to-day activities. With PIP, it's the points system described here: https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

And for UC LCWRA it's similar: https://www.advicenow.org.uk/get-help/benefits/universal-credit-uc/how-universal-credit-health-element-lcwra-works-descriptors

Some of the evidence may consider which medications you're taking, but I wouldn't think this would be the difference between being awarded and not being awarded. Especially if your medication has been prescribed by a medical doctor and is all above board.

WhatThe

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/146313/medical-cannabis-prescription-and-claiming-pip

Unless it's NHS approved, why mention it? You don't have that prescription and the NHS has very strict criteria for eligible patients so you may be disappointed.

If you need PIP now, you should apply for it on the basis of your diagnoses and how you meet the descriptors for daily living/mobility and list all medications prescribed by your GP.

cwatson0000

@WhatThe I think there’s really not enough information out there for medical cannabis in the UK… I’ve seen some videos where police officers find someone with medical cannabis, try and take it and have to call their supervisor for advice before actually realising it is legal with a prescription. Yes, the NHS don’t like to prescribe it but that doesn’t mean that private clinics won’t, in fact they do. Even on the basis of depression or anxiety. I’ve spoken to a friend who recently got approved on the basis of depression.

cwatson0000

I do already claim UC and PIP on the main basis of mental illness, as well as having issues with addiction. This being said I know it’s controversial as to why I would then try medical cannabis, however you can only be approved thru a board of certified doctors. So I’m just wondering also like if I get re assessed and they see I have a history of addiction but then I’m prescribed weed, will that raise questions? And yes you can get prescribed medical cannabis even with a history of drug abuse, I don’t make the rules!

WhatThe

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1125893#Comment_1125893

I understand but you're asking about a PIP application here. I've said that I think they'll be more interested in a medication prescribed by your GP for your conditions.

SwiftFox