What Conditions Qualify for Medical Cannabis?
In the UK, medical cannabis (cannabis-based medicinal products / CBPMs) can be prescribed by a specialist for any condition where conventional treatments have been tried and failed. Unlike the NHS, private clinics take a broader view of eligibility.
This page lists all known qualifying conditions, the evidence behind each, and which clinics specialise in them.
NHS Qualifying Conditions (Limited)
The NHS currently only prescribes CBPMs for three specific conditions under NICE NG144 guidance:
- Severe epilepsy — specifically Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome (cannabidiol/Epidyolex)
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting — when conventional anti-emetics fail
- MS spasticity — moderate to severe, after failure of other pharmacological treatments (Sativex)
NHS access is extremely limited. Fewer than a handful of NHS prescriptions have been issued since 2018.
Private Clinic Qualifying Conditions (Comprehensive)
Private clinics consider a much wider range of conditions. Below are the conditions that major UK clinics currently accept:
Chronic Pain
Evidence level: Moderate (multiple RCTs for certain pain types)
Includes: nerve pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, lower back pain, endometriosis-related pain. This is the largest category of medical cannabis patients in the UK.
Accepted by: All major clinics
Anxiety Disorders
Evidence level: Moderate (growing clinical evidence, especially for CBD)
Includes: generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD.
Accepted by: Most clinics, but evidence quality varies. Some clinics require failed SSRI therapy first.
PTSD
Evidence level: Moderate (several observational studies, emerging RCT data)
Accepted by: Most clinics. PTSD is increasingly recognised as a strong indication.
Epilepsy
Evidence level: Strong for severe forms (multiple RCTs for Epidyolex)
Includes treatment-resistant forms beyond the NHS-specified Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes.
Accepted by: All clinics. Specialist paediatric services available at some clinics.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Evidence level: Strong for spasticity (Sativex RCTs)
Accepted by: All clinics. Well-established indication.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s Disease
Evidence level: Limited (some observational data, few RCTs)
Accepted by: Some clinics. May require gastroenterology referral or specialist input.
Cancer-Related Symptoms
Evidence level: Moderate for nausea (chemotherapy), limited for other symptoms
Includes: chemotherapy nausea, cancer pain, appetite loss, palliative symptom management.
Accepted by: All clinics. Often requires oncologist input.
Sleep Disorders
Evidence level: Limited (mostly observational and patient-reported)
Particularly where linked to chronic pain, PTSD, or trauma.
Accepted by: Some clinics. Usually requires prior treatment for the underlying condition.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Evidence level: Limited (observational data only)
Accepted by: Some clinics. More commonly accepted for associated behaviours rather than autism itself.
Parkinson’s Disease
Evidence level: Limited (small RCTs, observational data)
Accepted by: Some clinics. May require neurologist referral.
How to Check Your Eligibility
- Review the condition list above
- Confirm you have tried at least two conventional treatments
- Book a consultation with a private clinic — most offer free eligibility checks online
- Bring your medical records to the consultation
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes. Eligibility is determined by the prescribing specialist during consultation. Not all conditions are accepted by all clinics. Always consult with a qualified medical professional.
Last reviewed: March 2026.
