FAQ
Our focus is always on your quality of life.
Clear information helps patients understand their documents and ask the right questions.
Medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription in the UK since 1 November 2018. Specialist doctors can prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use where clinically appropriate.
At NorthStar Medical, we believe clear information matters.
Driving and the Road Traffic Act (RTA 1988)
Being prescribed THC medication does not automatically stop you from driving.
Patients have the right to drive while taking prescribed medication, including cannabis-based medication, as long as they are taking it as directed and are not impaired.
UK law recognises a medical defence where a specified controlled medicine has been prescribed or supplied for medical purposes and taken as directed. This means legally prescribed medication is treated differently from illicit drug use.
Carry evidence with you where possible, such as original labelled packaging, prescription evidence, clinic confirmation, or your digital patient card.
Do not drive if you feel impaired, unsafe, drowsy, sedated, slowed down, light-headed, or unable to drive properly. If you are unsure, follow your prescriber's advice before driving.
Patient rights and the Equality Act 2010
Because dignity, access, and privacy are your legal rights.
At NorthStar Medical, healthcare should protect privacy, autonomy, and medical confidentiality.
Your health information is private. In many situations, the choice to disclose your condition or treatment is yours.
If your health condition has a substantial and long-term impact on daily life, it may be protected under the Equality Act 2010.
How NorthStar supports you: we keep medical confidentiality central, share information only with appropriate consent or lawful basis, and can provide support letters, treatment confirmations, or access documentation where appropriate.
Need guidance or documentation? Contact Compliance@northstar-medical.co.uk.
Patient data and confidentiality
GDPR and your right to confidentiality.
Medical information is private data. Access, use, and sharing must have an appropriate lawful basis.
NorthStar Medical designs patient systems around privacy, access controls, consent records, and clear audit trails.
If you are worried about how your information has been handled, contact Compliance@northstar-medical.co.uk.
Informed consent and confidential care
Patients should understand their care, including clear explanations, alternatives, and the ability to ask questions before decisions are made.
Confidentiality matters. Health information should only be shared with appropriate consent or lawful basis.
If you believe you are being treated unfairly because of a health condition or prescribed medicine, you can ask for support and may wish to seek independent advice.
Protection from discrimination
Patients should be treated with dignity and respect.
Your condition may qualify you for reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.
If you have concerns about discrimination, you can ask for support and may wish to seek independent advice.
Your Cannabis Patient ID and app access
Proof of prescription and app access.
NorthStar patients can access a secure digital Cannabis Patient ID card via the app where applicable.
The card is designed to help confirm prescription status without sharing unnecessary private health information.
What it includes: your name and patient reference, prescription confirmation details, clinic verification, and optional printable access where appropriate.
Access via the app: secure login, wallet export where available, prescription updates, and QR code validation where needed.
Why it matters: it helps reduce misunderstandings and keeps important confirmation details close at hand.