Why cannabis-based medicines are prescription-only in the UK
Legislation
Jan 13
Cannabis-based medicines are classified as prescription-only medicines (POMs) in the UK. This means they can only be prescribed by qualified specialist doctors following a clinical assessment. While this approach can raise questions about access, it reflects how medicines are regulated within the UK healthcare system.
Understanding why cannabis-based medicines require a prescription helps explain the safeguards and oversight that apply to their use.
In the UK, medicines are classified based on their potential risks, the level of clinical supervision required and the evidence supporting their use. Prescription-only medicines are those that must be supplied under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional, rather than purchased directly by the public [1].
Cannabis-based medicines fall into this category because their use requires clinical judgement, monitoring and individualised decision-making. This classification is not unique to cannabis and applies to many medicines where unsupervised use could present safety risks.
Cannabis-based medicines may only be prescribed by doctors listed on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register. These clinicians are responsible for assessing whether treatment is appropriate based on a patient’s medical history, previous treatments and current clinical needs [3].
Restricting prescribing to specialists helps ensure that decisions are made by clinicians with relevant expertise and that treatment is considered only where other recognised options have not provided sufficient benefit. This approach reflects broader prescribing standards used across the UK healthcare system.
Most cannabis-based medicines prescribed in the UK are classed as unlicensed “specials”. This means they have not been granted full marketing authorisation but may still be prescribed where a clinician determines there is a clear clinical need [1].
Because of this status, additional safeguards apply. Prescriptions are issued on a case-by-case basis, dispensing is tightly controlled, and ongoing clinical monitoring is required. These measures are intended to protect patient safety and ensure responsible use while the clinical evidence base continues to develop.
Oversight is provided by organisations including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office, which together regulate how cannabis-based medicines are prescribed and supplied [1][2].
The prescription-only status of cannabis-based medicines does not represent a general endorsement or routine treatment option. Instead, it reflects a cautious, evidence-led approach that prioritises patient safety, regulatory oversight and clinical accountability.
This framework allows cannabis-based medicines to be considered in specific medical circumstances while maintaining clear boundaries between medical use and non-medical use.
For an overview of how this fits within the wider legal framework, see our guide to the legal status of medical cannabis in the UK.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Treatment decisions are made by qualified clinicians based on individual clinical assessment. UK cannabis regulation and clinical evidence continue to evolve.
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