About CANN-ABI
A specialist medical cannabis clinic focused on acquired brain injury and neuropsychiatric care. Providing carefully assessed, evidence-informed treatment pathways for patients living with complex neurological symptoms.
Our Mission
At Cann-ABI, our mission is to improve quality of life for people living with acquired brain injury (ABI) by providing access to specialist assessment and carefully prescribed medical cannabis treatment when clinically appropriate.
We recognise that ABI can result in persistent symptoms that are often difficult to manage using conventional therapies alone — including pain, spasticity, sleep disruption, anxiety, mood disturbance, and behavioural changes.
Our goal is to offer a safe, regulated, medically led pathway for patients who may benefit from alternative therapeutic options.
Why CANN-ABI Exists
Many individuals affected by brain injury find themselves navigating long-term symptoms with limited treatment success.
Despite advances in rehabilitation and pharmacology, some symptoms remain resistant to standard interventions.
At the same time, emerging evidence suggests that cannabinoid-based medicines may have a role in managing certain neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Cann-ABI was established to bridge this gap — combining:
Specialist neuropsychiatric expertise
Careful patient selection
Evidence-based prescribing
Ongoing clinical monitoring
We aim to ensure that access to medical cannabis is safe, responsible, and grounded in sound medical practice.
Our Clinical Approach
Patient safety is central to everything we do.
Every patient undergoes a comprehensive medical assessment to determine whether medical cannabis is an appropriate option.
Our process includes:
Individualised Treatment Planning
If appropriate, prescriptions are tailored to the individual’s needs, symptoms, and response to treatment.
Specialist Evaluation
Consultation with clinicians experienced in brain injury and neuropsychiatric care.
Thorough Review
- Medical history
- Current symptoms
- Previous treatments
- Medications
- Risk factors
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-up ensures effectiveness, safety, and adjustment where needed. Medical cannabis is not presented as a cure, but as one potential component of a broader care strategy.
Who We Support
Patients and Families
Seeking relief from persistent ABI-related symptoms.
Healthcare Professionals
Looking for a responsible referral pathway for patients who may benefit from specialist assessment.
Rehabilitation Providers
Supporting individuals whose recovery is limited by ongoing neurological symptoms.
Our Commitment to Responsible Care
We are committed to:
Evidence-guided prescribing
Ethical clinical practice
Transparency about benefits and risks
Respect for patient autonomy
Integration with existing care teams
We work alongside patients’ GPs, consultants, and rehabilitation specialists wherever possible.
Dr. Martine Stoffels
MRCPsych, DCP, Dip HSM, MA HCM
Medical Director
Dr Stoffels brings over two decades of specialist experience in neuropsychiatry and the management of complex brain-related conditions.
She trained as a doctor in Antwerp before moving to Dublin to pursue specialist training in psychiatry. After lecturing in psychiatry at University College Dublin, she relocated to Oxford in 2005, where she trained in general adult, old age, and rehabilitation psychiatry before specialising in neuropsychiatry.
Dr Stoffels has worked extensively with individuals affected by a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions, including acquired and traumatic brain injury.
She is particularly passionate about addressing the connection between physical and mental health following brain injury. Changes in the brain can lead to significant neurobehavioural and emotional challenges, and her work focuses on supporting patients through evidence-based interventions, innovation, and best clinical practice.
Her leadership ensures that Cann-ABI maintains the highest standards of patient safety, clinical oversight, and compassionate care.
A Personal Commitment
Behind Cann-ABI is a commitment to improving lives affected by brain injury — not only through treatment, but through understanding, dignity, and hope.
We recognise the challenges patients and families face and strive to provide a service that is professional, transparent, and genuinely supportive.
We believe patients living with ABI deserve access to the full spectrum of safe, regulated medical treatments when conventional options have been exhausted.
Our vision is to:
Improve awareness of specialist treatment pathways
Reduce stigma around medical cannabis
Advance understanding of neurological care
Support better long-term outcomes for patients
Considering whether CANN-ABI could help?
Frequently Asked Questions
The information provided addresses common enquiries about our clinical pathway, legal framework, safety processes and treatment approach.
If your question is not covered, our team can provide further guidance through the appropriate enquiry pathway.
Cann-ABI is a specialist clinical service providing consultant-led prescribing of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs) for individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and complex neuro-behavioural presentations.
Cann-ABI focuses exclusively on ABI and operates within a structured governance framework involving capacity assessment, Best Interests processes (where required), and ongoing monitoring.
Most referrals originate from:
Case Managers
Court-appointed Deputies
Solicitors
Clinicians
Rehabilitation providers
Self-referrals may be considered where the individual has clear decision-making capacity.
Our service is designed specifically for Acquired Brain Injury and related neuro-behavioural difficulties. We do not operate as a general medical cannabis clinic.
Referrals are reviewed for eligibility, governance requirements and treatment resistance.
If appropriate, an assessment appointment is offered.
No. Prescribing occurs only where the clinician determines that potential benefits outweigh risks.
Timeframes vary depending on documentation, capacity considerations and clinical complexity. Urgent cases can be prioritised where appropriate.
Treatment may proceed under a documented Best Interests framework in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, involving relevant professionals and decision-makers.
Yes. We operate a 100% GP notification policy for all patients.
Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products may be prescribed by clinicians on the GMC Specialist Register where clinically appropriate.
All patients undergo structured monitoring including side-effect review, behavioural stability assessment and safeguarding checks.
No. Prescribed products are administered via medical-grade vaporisation only.
Patients receive guidance on UK driving regulations and are advised not to drive if impaired.
No. Cann-ABI operates as an independent specialist service.
Fees include assessment, protocol setup and ongoing monitoring tiers. Full details are available on the Pricing page.
Cann-ABI is not an emergency service. Urgent medical or psychiatric concerns should be directed to appropriate services.