Medical Cannabis UK: 30 Most-Asked Questions Answered

Yes, medical cannabis is legal in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor. It was reclassified from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 in November 2018, allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis-based products for patients with specific conditions. However, it remains strictly controlled and cannot be obtained without a valid prescription from an authorised specialist.

You must be referred to a specialist doctor who is registered to prescribe medical cannabis. Your GP cannot prescribe it, but they can refer you to a private clinic or NHS specialist if they believe you meet the criteria. The specialist will assess your condition and medical history before deciding whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you.

Most GPs cannot prescribe medical cannabis, as it is restricted to specialists with appropriate registration and training. Your GP can discuss medical cannabis with you and make a referral to a specialist clinic if they think it might be suitable for your condition. Once a specialist prescribes the medication, your GP may be able to manage ongoing prescriptions if they agree to do so.

The main conditions that may qualify are epilepsy (particularly drug-resistant epilepsy), chronic pain, multiple sclerosis spasticity, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Other conditions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, including neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and certain mental health conditions. Each case is assessed individually by a specialist doctor based on the evidence and your individual circumstances.

Private prescriptions typically cost between £5-15 per gram, with monthly costs ranging from £150-600 depending on the dose and type of product. NHS prescriptions are free at the standard prescription charge of £9.65 per item (or free if you’re eligible for free prescriptions). Private clinics often charge consultation fees of £150-300 in addition to medication costs.

This depends on the specific product prescribed, as medical cannabis products vary in their THC (the psychoactive compound) content. Many medical cannabis products have a higher CBD content and lower THC content, which may reduce or eliminate psychoactive effects. Your specialist will prescribe products with the appropriate balance to treat your condition whilst minimising intoxicating effects.

Driving after using medical cannabis is illegal in the UK if it impairs your ability to drive safely, and you can be prosecuted even with a valid prescription. The DVLA limits for THC in the bloodstream are extremely low (2 micrograms per litre of blood), making it difficult to drive even with prescribed medical cannabis. You must inform your car insurance provider and should not drive if you feel impaired.

Yes, you can travel within the UK with your prescribed medical cannabis as long as you carry the original prescription and packaging. You should keep your medication in its original labelled container to avoid any issues with police or border control. It is advisable to carry a copy of your prescription letter from your specialist doctor as proof of legitimacy.

Taking medical cannabis out of the UK is extremely risky and is illegal in most countries, even with a valid UK prescription. Many countries do not recognise UK medical cannabis prescriptions and will prosecute you for drug trafficking. You should consult the laws of your destination country before travelling and consider obtaining local treatment instead if possible.

The effects of medical cannabis vary depending on the condition being treated and the method of administration. Some effects may be noticed within minutes to hours, whilst therapeutic benefits for chronic conditions may take several weeks to become apparent. Your specialist will discuss expected timelines and arrange follow-up appointments to assess whether the treatment is effective.

Medical cannabis can lead to psychological dependence in some users, particularly with regular use, though physical addiction is relatively uncommon. The risk of dependence is lower with medical use under specialist supervision compared to recreational use. Your doctor will monitor you for any signs of dependence and will discuss the benefits and risks during your treatment.

Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, impaired concentration, and changes in appetite or mood. More serious side effects are rare but can include anxiety, paranoia, or psychotic symptoms, particularly in people with a family history of mental illness. Your specialist will discuss potential side effects and monitor you regularly during treatment.

Most private health insurance policies do not cover medical cannabis prescriptions, as it remains a highly regulated and novel treatment. Some specialist insurance providers may offer limited coverage, so you should check your specific policy or contact your insurer directly. Private clinic consultation fees and prescriptions are usually paid out of pocket.

Yes, medical cannabis can be prescribed on the NHS by specialist doctors, though access is limited and most prescriptions are issued through private clinics. NHS prescriptions are typically restricted to specific conditions and circumstances where evidence of effectiveness is strong, such as drug-resistant epilepsy. You will need a referral from your GP to be assessed by an NHS specialist.

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, while medical cannabis typically contains both CBD and THC in varying ratios. Medical cannabis may be more effective for certain conditions due to the combined effects of multiple cannabinoids, whereas CBD-only products are available over the counter in the UK as health supplements. Your specialist will recommend the most appropriate product for your specific condition.