Glossary term
Licensed medicine: A licensed medicine is a medicine that has marketing authorisation for a specific use, supported by regulatory review of quality, safety and efficacy.
Why this term matters
Patients need this to understand why some cannabis medicines are treated differently from unlicensed products.
UK medical cannabis context
Sativex and Epidyolex are examples of licensed medicines within broader cannabis-related discussions.
What not to assume
A medicine can be prescribed lawfully even if unlicensed, but the decision-making framework is different.
Careful wording: Avoid suggesting “licensed” means side-effect free.
Related glossary terms
Related MCPH pages
Sources and review notes
This entry is educational vocabulary, not medical advice. Suitability, prescribing, product choice and monitoring belong with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.