Medical Cannabis in the United Kingdom

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK?

Yes. Medical cannabis is legal in the United Kingdom under strict regulations. In 2018, the UK government amended the law to allow certain cannabis-based products for medicinal use. However, only specialist doctors listed on the General Medical Council's (GMC) Specialist Register can prescribe these products.

What Are the Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis in the UK?

Medical cannabis may only be prescribed when other treatments have proven ineffective. It is typically offered for:

• Severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy
• Chronic nausea or vomiting due to chemotherapy
• Muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS)

Despite legalization, access remains limited, especially through the NHS, where cannabis prescriptions are rare.

Who Can Legally Provide Medical Cannabis in the UK?

Only specialist doctors registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and listed on its Specialist Register can legally prescribe medical cannabis in the UK. These professionals include consultants in fields like neurology, oncology, or pain medicine.

General Practitioners (GPs) cannot initiate a cannabis prescription but may refer a patient to a specialist for evaluation. Prescriptions are only provided on a case-by-case basis and typically when the patient has not responded to other forms of treatment.

How to Get Medical Cannabis in the UK

To legally obtain medical cannabis in the UK:

1. Consult a Specialist: You must meet with a GMC-registered specialist doctor, often through a private clinic.
2. Medical Evaluation: The specialist will review your treatment history and determine if cannabis-based treatment is appropriate.
3. Receive a Prescription: If approved, the doctor will issue a prescription for a licensed or unlicensed cannabis-based product.
4. Dispensing: The medicine will be dispensed through a licensed UK pharmacy. Always retain your prescription and original packaging.

Medical cannabis is rarely available via the NHS and is more commonly accessed through private healthcare providers.

Is Cannabis Legal in the UK for Medical Use?

Yes. Cannabis is legal for medical use in the UK but only under certain conditions. Cannabis remains a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, meaning it is illegal to possess, grow, or distribute cannabis for recreational purposes.

Medical cannabis products are legal only when prescribed by a GMC-registered specialist and taken according to the prescription. Unprescribed possession remains a criminal offense.

What Is Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-derived products used to treat or manage specific medical conditions. These products can contain:

• CBD (Cannabidiol): A non-psychoactive compound with potential therapeutic benefits
• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): A psychoactive compound that may relieve symptoms like pain or spasticity

In the UK, approved cannabis-based medications include:

• Epidyolex: A purified CBD product for severe epilepsy
• Sativex (Nabiximols): A THC/CBD mouth spray for MS-related spasticity
• Nabilone: A synthetic cannabinoid used to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy

All medical cannabis products in the UK must meet EU GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

How Much Is Medical Cannabis in the UK?

The cost of medical cannabis in the UK depends on the form, dosage, and whether you’re receiving treatment through the NHS or private sector. Because NHS prescriptions are rare, most patients use private clinics.

Typical monthly treatment costs:

• Medication: £150–£250
• Initial Consultation: £100–£200
• Follow-up Visits: £50–£100

In total, patients may pay £200 to £400 per month for medical cannabis treatment via private services.

Private Cannabis Prescription UK Cost

Getting a private cannabis prescription in the UK involves:

1. Initial Consultation: £100–£200
2. Ongoing Monitoring: Follow-up appointments are generally £50–£100
3. Prescription Costs: £150–£250 per month, depending on the medication

Most patients end up spending around £200 to £400 per month in total. These costs are not covered by the NHS or standard health insurance plans. However, the private route remains the most accessible option for UK residents seeking medical cannabis treatment.