Frequently Asked Questions

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Medical cannabis in the UK is regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and its use is strictly controlled. It is classified as a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but for medical purposes, doctors with appropriate specialist knowledge can prescribe it. Only products that have been through the necessary licensing and quality control processes are allowed to be prescribed.

The law allows for medical cannabis to be prescribed in cases where other treatments have been ineffective or unsuitable. However, not all conditions are covered. Some of the most common conditions for which medical cannabis may be prescribed include:

• Chronic pain: Particularly for conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe neuropathic pain.

• Epilepsy: Especially for patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.

• Nausea and vomiting: Associated with chemotherapy.

• Spasticity: Particularly in neurological conditions like MS.

• Mental health conditions: Though less common, some patients with conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder may be prescribed cannabis-based treatments if conventional medications have not worked.

It’s important to note that general practitioners (GPs) cannot prescribe medical cannabis. The prescribing doctors must be specialists who have a thorough understanding of cannabis-based products, often in areas like neurology, pain management, or psychiatry.

Medical cannabis products in the UK can be categorized into several types:

• Cannabis Flower: This can be prescribed, but will only be prescribed to be vaporized rather than smoked.

• Cannabis Oil: Typically a full-spectrum extract that contains both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). It may also contain other cannabinoids.

• Cannabinoid Medicines: These include pharmaceutical-grade products like Epidyolex (CBD-based) for epilepsy or Sativex (a 1:1 mixture of THC and CBD) for MS-related spasticity.

• Edibles and Capsules: In some cases, cannabis products may be available in capsule or edible form.

The prescribing of these products is highly specific, and the precise dosage will vary depending on the individual’s needs and the doctor’s assessment.

To access medical cannabis in the UK, patients need a prescription from a specialist doctor. The process typically involves the following steps:

• Referral to a specialist: If a GP or healthcare provider believes that medical cannabis could help a patient, they will refer them to a specialist who is able to prescribe it.

• Assessment: The specialist will assess the patient’s medical history and the severity of their condition to determine if cannabis-based treatment is appropriate.

• Prescription: If the doctor believes it’s appropriate, they will issue a prescription for a cannabis-based product. The prescription can then be filled at a pharmacy that is licensed to dispense medical cannabis products.

In practice, obtaining medical cannabis can be difficult for some patients. The prescribing process is still relatively new, and access can sometimes be limited by the availability of specialists or the cost of treatment, as some private clinics may be the only route to access these prescriptions.

While the use of medical cannabis is growing in the UK, it is still an area of active research. Evidence supporting the use of cannabis for certain medical conditions is mixed, and some areas have far more substantial data than others. For example, there is significant evidence supporting the use of cannabis-based products for epilepsy, particularly for children with treatment-resistant forms of the condition, but research into its efficacy for conditions like mental health disorders or chronic pain is still developing.

One of the goals of ongoing research is to gather robust clinical evidence on the safety, efficacy, and optimal use of cannabis-based treatments. The UK government has funded several studies to better understand how medical cannabis works, its risks, and its benefits.

Despite the legality of medical cannabis, there is still some stigma surrounding its use, especially because of the general association with recreational cannabis. Patients who use medical cannabis may feel a sense of judgment, especially if they use cannabis for conditions like anxiety or chronic pain, where the treatment is not as widely understood or accepted as for epilepsy or MS.

The government and healthcare bodies are working to raise awareness about medical cannabis and its legal status, but stigma can still be a barrier for patients seeking treatment.

• Prescriptions and Regulations: Only medical cannabis products prescribed by a specialist doctor can be legally used in the UK. Recreational cannabis use is still illegal.

• Not for everyone: Medical cannabis may not be suitable for all patients, and its use should always be monitored by a healthcare professional.

• Legal, but controlled: Medical cannabis is available under specific conditions, but it is highly regulated to ensure patient safety and appropriate use.

In summary, medical cannabis in the UK represents a significant advancement in treatment options for patients with certain medical conditions, though it remains a niche, regulated area of healthcare. If you’re considering medical cannabis, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to understand whether it’s the right choice for your condition and treatment plan.