Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK?
Legislation
Jun 19
Medical cannabis is now an approved pathway for certain patients in the UK. This comprehensive guide explains the legal status of medical cannabis, who may be eligible and the process for receiving it under specialist care.
Previously, cannabis was a banned drug in the UK with no accepted therapeutic use. The situation has changed over the last several years. In November 2018, the UK government permitted the usage of cannabis-based medicines for medical purposes in strictly specified conditions. The decision followed significant public and clinical interest in cases where patients had not responded to traditional treatments, prompting regulatory review of cannabis-based medicines for strictly controlled medical use.
A controlled system has since been put in place, allowing patients to receive medical cannabis under defined circumstances. Key milestones in this journey include the establishment of robust prescribing guidelines and ongoing safety and efficacy scrutiny by dedicated authorities.
Under current UK law, medical cannabis is legal but its use is highly regulated. The legal framework allows for the prescription of certain cannabis-based products by specialist doctors for patients with qualifying conditions. This approach is designed to ensure that patients who genuinely need medical cannabis receive it in a safe and controlled manner. Only products that meet stringent quality and safety standards are available for prescription.
Patients must follow a clearly defined process to access these treatments and strict criteria govern the types of conditions that may be treated with medical cannabis. The legal framework prioritises patient safety and aims to provide treatment only to those who will benefit the most from this therapy.
Eligibility Criteria
Access to medical cannabis in the UK is determined on a case-by-case basis for patients who haven’t found sufficient relief from standard treatments. Eligibility is primarily focused on conditions where medical cannabis has shown potential benefits, including conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis where treatment options may be considered on a case-by-case basis. A specialist carefully reviews each patient’s medical history and current condition to determine whether medical cannabis is a suitable option. This personalised evaluation ensures that treatment is provided only to those who truly need it, with further details on qualifying conditions provided later in the guide.
Role of Specialist Doctors
Only registered specialist doctors are permitted to prescribe medical cannabis in the UK. Specialists such as psychiatrists, neurologists or pain management consultants are typically responsible for assessing whether a patient is a suitable candidate for this treatment. These are the most common areas where cannabis-based medicines may be considered under specialist care. General practitioners (GPs) are not authorised to issue prescriptions for medical cannabis in the UK.
The involvement of a specialist ensures that the treatment is administered safely and effectively. It also means that the patient receives detailed guidance on the proper use of the medication, potential side effects and any necessary follow-up care.
The regulation of medical cannabis in the UK is overseen by several government bodies, including the Home Office, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). These authorities are responsible for ensuring that cannabis-based products used for medical purposes meet strict safety and quality standards. This regulatory oversight helps to protect patients and maintain high standards in treatment practices.
A valid prescription from a licensed specialist doctor is mandatory for the legal use of medical cannabis. The prescription process is rigorous, requiring a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history and current condition. An example of this is that patients are generally expected to have tried at least two recognised conventional therapies, such as prescribed medications or psychological therapies, that are appropriate to their condition.
The specialist will confer with the patient's GP and review their NHS Summary Care Record to confirm relevant medical history, previous treatments and prescribed medications. This step is important because it ensures that all suitable first-line treatments have been explored and supports a shared care approach between the specialist and GP. This controlled process is in place to protect patients and ensure cannabis-based medicines are only prescribed when clinically appropriate.
Although there is a pathway for obtaining medical cannabis through the NHS, uptake remains limited and prescribing is only supported in a small number of tightly defined cases. The referral process can be lengthy and prescriptions a
re only issued in a small number of cases that meet very strict criteria. Because of this, some patients explore private consultations with specialist doctors who are able to assess their clinical history in line with the same legal and regulatory standards.
The NHS continues to play a vital role in supporting patients, particularly through GP involvement in referrals and shared care. However, access through the NHS alone is not yet widely available for most patients and a dual pathway, involving both NHS GPs and private options, may be part of the process for those seeking evaluation.
For those considering medical cannabis as a treatment option, the process to access it legally and safely in the UK involves several clear steps:
Before taking any further steps, it’s important to consider whether your medical condition may meet the criteria for treatment with medical cannabis. This includes conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, among others.
In many cases, your GP is the first point of contact. They can help assess your symptoms and discuss whether medical cannabis might be a suitable treatment option. Although GPs are not authorised to prescribe medical cannabis in the UK, they can provide a referral to a specialist who is qualified to evaluate your condition in detail.
You do not need a formal referral to speak with a private clinic and some patients choose to contact a specialist service directly. In these cases, the clinic will still coordinate with your GP and access your NHS Summary Care Record to ensure continuity of care. This helps ensure that your GP remains informed and involved in your overall treatment plan.
Once you have been referred or contacted a specialist clinic, schedule a consultation with a specialist doctor who is legally authorised to prescribe medical cannabis. During this consultation, the doctor will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, current symptoms and previous treatments, including information from your NHS Summary Care Record, to determine whether you meet the legal and clinical criteria for treatment.
If the specialist concludes that medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment, they will issue a prescription. This prescription is subject to strict regulatory guidelines and is only considered when other appropriate treatments have not achieved sufficient benefit.
Once prescribed, medical cannabis must be dispensed by a UK-licensed pharmacy that is authorised to dispense Controlled Drugs. Many clinics have preferred pharmacy partners for convenience, but patients may choose any regulated pharmacy that meets legal requirements. All products available for prescription in the UK have met rigorous medical and quality standards and are approved for use in line with specialist care.
Strict dosage guidance, including both method and quantity, will be included in your prescription. This ensures safe and effective use and adherence will be monitored closely by your prescribing specialist.
After beginning treatment, regular follow-up appointments with your specialist are essential. These consultations allow your doctor to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment, manage any side effects and make necessary adjustments to your dosage.
Medical cannabis may be considered under specialist supervision for a wide range of conditions where conventional treatments have not provided sufficient benefit. These include physical, neurological and psychological conditions. Some of the most commonly reviewed include:
This list is not exhaustive and any decision to prescribe is based on a thorough clinical assessment, including previous treatments and full medical history. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis by a specialist.
While medical cannabis has potential benefits for many patients, it is not suitable for everyone. Certain health conditions or risk factors must be carefully evaluated by a specialist before a prescription is issued. These include:
Clinicians routinely screen for these conditions during the consultation process. Patients are asked directly whether they have been diagnosed with any of these and further clinical evaluation is undertaken when necessary. While a diagnosis does not always prevent eligibility, it may require additional evidence or a more cautious prescribing approach. These safeguards exist to ensure safe, ethical and appropriate care for all patients.
Medical cannabis is available in several regulated formats, allowing treatment to be tailored to individual needs and clinical circumstances. The most common forms include:
The format prescribed will depend on the patient’s medical history, treatment goals and clinical guidance provided by the specialist. All products prescribed in the UK meet rigorous safety and quality standards and are dispensed by pharmacies licensed for controlled drugs.
As with any prescribed medication, medical cannabis may cause side effects, particularly during the early stages of treatment. Commonly reported side effects include:
It is important to recognise and report any side effects to your prescribing specialist, who can monitor your response and make any necessary adjustments. Ongoing clinical oversight ensures treatment remains safe and effective.
Managing side effects effectively involves careful adherence to dosage guidelines and regular medical supervision. The following strategies may help:
No. Medical cannabis is specifically used for treating certain health conditions under strict medical supervision. In contrast, recreational cannabis is not legal in the UK. While some countries have legalised cannabis for recreational use, in the UK only medical cannabis, available through a specialist prescription, is permitted under UK law.
Yes, medical cannabis is often prescribed to help manage chronic pain, particularly when traditional treatments have not provided adequate relief. The decision is made by a specialist doctor after a thorough evaluation.
Yes. A prescription from a registered specialist doctor is required to access medical cannabis legally in the UK.
You can start by speaking with your GP, who may refer you to a specialist. Alternatively, you may contact a registered private clinic directly. These clinics will access your NHS Summary Care Record and liaise with your GP to ensure coordinated care.
There are NHS pathways for accessing medical cannabis, but they remain limited and are typically reserved for a small number of tightly defined clinical conditions. Many patients therefore explore private consultations to determine eligibility and access treatment.
Travelling with medical cannabis within the UK is permitted if you have a valid prescription and the product is properly labelled and stored. However, travelling abroad with cannabis-based medicines is subject to international laws and restrictions. Always check current guidelines and consult your prescribing clinician before travel. Exercise extreme caution before travelling to countries where cannabis possession is a criminal offence, even with a prescription, as penalties may be severe and local authorities may not recognise UK prescribing frameworks.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice about your health and any treatment options. Dispensed is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. While we review and update our educational content on a regular basis, its accuracy can only be assured as of the date of publication (June 2025). We cannot guarantee that all information remains current at the time of reading due to changes in clinical guidelines, legal frameworks or regulatory updates.
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