Unlicensed medicine: An unlicensed medicine is a medicine without a UK marketing authorisation for the product in question. GMC says many cannabis-based medicines in the UK are unlicensed, and that prescribing should be based on individual assessment where no suitable licensed medicine meets the patient’s need.
One of the most important expectations-setting terms for UK patients.
GMC makes this a central point in doctor guidance; NICE also tells prescribers to discuss licensing status with patients.
“Unlicensed” does not mean illegal or poor quality, but it does mean the prescribing framework is different and uncertainty may be greater.