UK medical cannabis refers to cannabis-based medicines used to alleviate symptoms of various conditions. CBPMs are specific cannabis-based products which are available on prescription for patients who qualify.  Currently, Medical Cannabis is only considered when other treatments have not been effective or suitable. Still, doctors are prescribing it for other conditions for which cannabis has been shown to help if the patient has tried two or more medicines for their condition unsuccessfully.

Can I get a prescription for medical cannabis?

Prescriptions for medical cannabis are given by specialist doctors rather than GPs. The decision to prescribe it is made on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient’s best interests and the failure of other treatment options. A prescription for medical cannabis is not guaranteed, and individuals seeking it should consult with a clinic to determine whether they may be eligible. Some clinics offer handy eligibility checkers for patients to self-assess. Always follow legal guidelines and work closely with medical professionals when considering medical cannabis treatment.

Click here to read our guide on obtaining a cannabis prescription in the UK

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Cannabis in the UK?

The conditions below are conditions which are known to have patients prescribed cannabis in the UK. The eligibility criteria does not specify any specific types of conditions or conditions themselves, meaning cannabis treatment may be attempted for any ailment which the specialist doctor decides. Therefore, even if your condition is not on the list you may still qualify for medical cannabis. Conversely, even if you have one of the conditions below you may not qualify if you suffer from a contravening condition such as bipolar, schizophrenia or personality disorders.

Conditions for which patients have been prescribed medical cannabis in the UK:

Associated with Pain

• Arthritis
• Back and neck pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)
• Endometriosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Joint pain
• Musculoskeletal pain (MSK)
• Neuropathic pain or nerve pain

For Neurological Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cluster headaches
• Epilepsy
• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
• Migraines
• Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscle spasms
• Parkinson’s disease
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Tremors
• Stroke

For Psychiatric Conditions

• Agoraphobia
• Appetite disorders like Anorexia
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Insomnia or sleep disorders
• Major Depressive Disorder (Depression)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder or social phobia
• Substance Use Disorder

For Gastrointestinal Conditions

• Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Associated with Cancer

• Cancer-related anxiety
• Cancer-related appetite loss
• Cancer-related depression
• Cancer-related pain
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

For Palliative Care

• Palliative care pain
• Palliative care anxiety

Some other Conditions

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or ME
• Restless legs syndrome

Use of medical cannabis for chronic pain

There is plenty of evidence suggesting that medical cannabis can help manage certain types of pain, and medical cannabis doctors in the UK prescribe for chronic pain relief.

Chronic pain is a complex condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. It is often challenging to treat, and traditional pain medications may not always provide adequate relief. This has led to increased interest in exploring alternative options such as medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which are believed to have pain-relieving properties. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain, inflammation, and other physiological processes.

Medical Cannabis for Neurological Conditions

Patients suffering from neurological conditions such as Migraines may qualify for medical cannabis if they have tried two or more treatments without success. A common misconception is that medical cannabis may be difficult to access without a rare form of epilepsy or MS – but recent case studies show doctors prescribing for other neurological conditions where patients have been unsuccessful with other medications.

Medical Cannabis Through Your GP

This is currently a no-go in the United Kingdom. Asking your GP for medical cannabis will not result in a prescription – they cannot prescribe it. Patients will need to obtain their summary care records from the GP and pass this to a medical cannabis clinic, which can then assess them for an appointment with a specialist doctor (who can prescribe cannabis). Once prescribed, patients can buy their private medicine via the clinic website and have it dispatched directly to their door.

Products available to buy without a prescription

When it comes to purchasing cannabis-based products in the UK without a prescription, there are several options available online. Legal and compliant products will not contain the cannabinoid THC unless in trace quantities. Additionally, many cannabis products marketed as CBD oil or hemp oil may not meet legal standards or quality requirements. It’s important to note that the sale and purchase of these products may also vary depending on the country or region.

Some health stores offer CBD products as food supplements, but the quality and health benefits of these products can vary. It’s important to be aware that these products can contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. CBD products sold in health stores typically contain small amounts of CBD, and their effects are likely reduced at low doses.

When considering purchasing cannabis-based products online, it’s essential to research and ensure that the seller is reputable. Look for third-party lab test results and customer reviews to gain confidence in the product’s quality and safety. Always check the legal status of cannabis products in your country or region to avoid any legal complications.

Comparison of Legal Cannabis Products in the UK

While there are cannabis-based products available for purchase without a prescription in the UK, it’s important to tread cautiously and consider factors such as legality, quality, and safety. CBD products can be found as food supplements in health stores, but their effects and quality may vary.

Safety Concerns of Medical Cannabis Use

While medical cannabis has shown promise in treating certain conditions, there are important safety concerns that need to be addressed. One of the main risks associated with medical cannabis is the potential for THC-related side effects, which can be unwanted for patients. This can be reduced with different consumption methods, sticking with the same strains for a while or tolerating the dose.

The risk of cannabis dependency is relatively small when medical cannabis use is monitored and controlled by a specialist doctor.

To ensure the safety of medical cannabis products, it’s vital to consider their content and quality. Cannabis bought illegally from unregulated sources poses the greatest danger in theory. Yet, patients report that good quality cannabis they source illegally can often be of a better standard than prescribed medicine. That being said, with cases of grit weed reported by the UKCSC in 2023 and the potential issues from consuming contaminated cannabis, medical cannabis is a clear winner in terms of safety for patients. When using medical cannabis, it’s crucial to obtain products from reputable sources and follow medical advice regarding dosage and usage.

Side Effects of Medical Cannabis

It is important to understand that potential side effects may occur, particularly for newer patients. While these effects may be sought when people consume cannabis recreationally, they may not be intended or wanted by patients. Side effects may include decreased appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, weakness, mood changes, dizziness, fatigue, hallucinations, and even exacerbated negative thoughts.

In addition to the physical and psychological side effects, interactions between CBD, THC, and other medications should be carefully considered.

It is worth noting that the severity and occurrence of side effects can vary among individuals. Factors such as the dosage, method of administration, and individual tolerance can influence the likelihood and intensity of these side effects. Therefore, it is important to work with your specialist doctor by feeding back in your follow-up appointment to help them optimise your treatment plan and dosage to minimise side effects while maximising the potential benefits of medical cannabis.