Pharmacy technician Vicky is walking into the pharmacy after her lunch and bumps into Ellen Kilver who is heading the same way.

“Oh, hi Ellen,” says Vicky. “How are you doing?”

“Ok-ish,” replies Ellen.

“Is that okay as in good, or okay as in not very good at all?” quips Vicky.

“I’m not sure really,” says Ellen. “I went to the GP this morning and I was hoping she’d prescribe me one of those new cannabis medicines. I’ve been reading about them and they sound amazing for all kinds of things, and I really wanted to give it a try.”

“I wouldn’t believe everything you read, Ellen, particularly if it is in the tabloid newspapers or online,” exclaims Vicky. “Why were you after a cannabis-based medicine in particular?”

“It’s my rheumatoid arthritis,” Ellen responds. “My medication is working pretty well, but I suppose I’m always waiting to have a flare up or to get hit by side effects. I thought that cannabis has been around for so long that actually it might be worth trying. But the doctor wouldn’t even entertain the idea and just said no. Do you think she’s just being difficult?”