Medical Cannabis FAQs

Starting your journey to understand the ins and outs of medical cannabis in the UK? You've landed at the right place. In this article, you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions that surround the medical cannabis prescription process. From checking your eligibility, having your appointment with insightful guidance on how to converse with your doctor about it to obtaining a prescription, we aim to provide clear, concise answers to facilitate a smoother pathway for those exploring the potential benefits of medical cannabis. 

What is medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis is regulated and produced under licence for patients with a wide range of pain, inflammation, neurological, gastrointestinal, psychological and autoimmune conditions. Medical cannabis is produced to meet a high approval standard to ensure patient safety. It is made from the cannabis plant, typically in the form of cannabis flower to be vaped, oil in tincture form, vaporiser cartridges and capsules. Medicinal cannabis products are prescribed to treat various medical conditions and symptoms, making it a valuable tool in healthcare. It is is known for its potential to provide relief and alleviate symptoms from conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea induced by chemotherapy. Medical cannabis is only available in the UK with a prescription written by a specialist doctor and only to those who meet strict criteria. 

How to get medical cannabis in the UK

To get legal medical cannabis in the UK a specialist consultant must prescribe you one of the available medications; it's only available to those who qualify under specific medical conditions. To determine if you qualify, a healthcare professional will assess your condition and Summary of Care Records to determine if medical cannabis is a suitable treatment option. Once you qualify, your doctor can issue a prescription for suitable medication options. However, it's essential to note that medical cannabis is not typically available through the National Health Service (NHS), and you will more than likely need to purchase it privately. The cost can vary significantly depending on the prescribed product and dosage, so discussing pricing with your doctor or a specialised medical cannabis clinic is advisable. To apply for a medical cannabis prescription, you can use our eligibility checker. You can reach out to medical cannabis clinics or specialists with expertise in this area, and you can also seek information and support from online communities like Reddit for guidance on the process.

How to use medical cannabis

To use medical cannabis effectively, you must first select the right cannabis-based medicinal product for you based on your medical needs. The most common forms of cannabis-based medicinal products are vaporising flowers and oil in tincture form. When it comes to oil tinctures, you typically take them orally. Use a dropper to measure your desired dose, usually in drops or millilitres, and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for up to two minutes before swallowing for efficient absorption. Vaping involves inhaling vaporised cannabis flowers or pure oils, which provides rapid relief by allowing cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. You can use specialised vaporisers designed for cannabis flowers or concentrates with compatible cartridges. Smoking is not advised and is prohibited due to the harmful side effects caused by combustion. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable method and dosage for your medical condition.

How do I get a medical cannabis card?

To get a medical cannabis card in the UK you can apply to one of the online services that provide them by meeting the qualifying criteria. You will need to provide a copy of your Summary of Care Records. Not all medical cannabis cards offer the same service, and some do not validate your status as a legal patient. In the UK, medical cannabis cards aren't compulsory. Instead, medical cannabis is prescribed by a specialist doctor if they believe it's a suitable treatment for your condition. Medical cannabis cards allow patients to store information about their prescriptions and medical conditions for healthcare professionals and the police if needed. To see if you can get a prescription, you should consult with a healthcare professional who specialises in medical cannabis or use a free eligibility checker, which will assess your medical history and determine if you qualify for a prescription. If you're eligible, your doctor will provide you with a prescription, and you can obtain medical cannabis products from licensed pharmacies or have them delivered to your home. Be sure to inquire about the available products, dosages, and associated costs during your consultation with the specialist. It's essential to follow the legal and medical channels to access medical cannabis in the UK, as there isn't a card-based system like in some other countries that exempt patients from existing cannabis laws. 

How to buy medical cannabis?

To buy medical cannabis in the UK you must have a prescription written by a specialist doctor. The prescription is for a set amount of a specific product to last 28 days. Cannabis-based medicinal products must be produced in licensed facilities and dispensed through authorised medical cannabis clinics. A strict legal process is involved in getting medical cannabis in the UK. The most common forms of cannabis medicines are flowers and oils. You can get medical cannabis oil delivered to your home address when your doctor writes you a prescription. You can buy medical cannabis flowers in 10g pots or more, which you can collect from a pharmacy or deliver to your home. You can only buy medical cannabis if you have a qualifying medical condition and pass the eligibility test, requiring a healthcare professional to check your Summary of Care Records. Only once a doctor has written you a prescription can you buy medical cannabis. 

How to talk to your doctor about medical cannabis

The way to talk to your doctor about medical cannabis is honestly. If you have no understanding of medical cannabis but think it may be an option for you, ask your doctor the questions you would like answers to. You can tell your doctor about your previous experience with cannabis if it was a long time ago, or you may already use cannabis to treat your medical condition and want to transition to a legal prescription. Either way, your doctor must know your cannabis literacy so they can provide the best health service possible. To discuss medical cannabis with your doctor you should describe your symptoms, treatments you are currently on or have tried before and how they have worked for you. Your doctor will ask you questions for them to determine if prescribing medical cannabis is in your best interest. A collaborative and informed discussion with your doctor can help determine whether medical cannabis aligns with your healthcare needs.

How to grow medical cannabis?

To grow medical cannabis in the UK, a licence granted by the Home Office is required. Growing medical cannabis typically involves a large facility replicating the plant's required environmental conditions. For companies that grow the best-grade medical cannabis that meets the strictest criteria, hydroponics is the preferred method. Growing medical cannabis in soil is possible, but it is difficult  to meet safety standards imposed by the MHRA. Medical cannabis can be grown in the UK indoors or in a greenhouse. Medical cannabis licence holders must grow medical cannabis with fertilisers that do not contain any harmful ingredients hazardous to human health. Before medical cannabis can be turned into a product that patients are prescribed, it must pass more safety standard tests to prove there are no moulds or bacteria that could cause illness. Products are tested for cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Medical cannabis products must undergo shelf stability tests to ensure they remain safe for patients after being packaged. 

Why choose Releaf for medical cannabis in the UK?

Releaf is a preferred choice due to its high-quality service and dedication to patients' needs. Releaf has an experienced and professional team keen to help you through your patient journey. Releaf is the first all-in-one cannabis clinic to make payments simple with Stripe and give you as much control over your health care and treatment plan as possible. Releaf ensures that patients only receive products from regulated and licensed producers ensuring you get the best products on the market. Releaf will likely adhere strictly to the legal and regulatory standards governing distribution in the UK, guaranteeing a legitimate and compliant source. With various products, delivery methods, and a dedication to patient support, Releaf is well-equipped to cater to your healthcare requirements while respecting your privacy and maintaining confidentiality.

Exploring the UK's Medical Cannabis Laws: What You Need to Know

In 2023, the United Kingdom is seen as a diverse and progressive society with a multicultural populus. Its world class healthcare innovations navigate a complex system of regulatory laws and frameworks. Recently, new medicinal cannabis laws have enabled businesses to contribute to the progressive industry devising new strategies to deliver medicinal cannabis prescription medication to patients. The landscape can be confusing to understand with many regulations that must be met and challenges overcome.Let’s go on a journey to enlighten the pathway through the cannabis regulatory process in the UK. 

Medical canabis products, unlike recreational cannabis, are legal in the UK, but only if prescribed by a registered specialist doctor on the General Medical Council for specific conditions such as Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and nausea [1] developed as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Private practices can prescribe medical cannabis for a wider range of medical needs but this is unavailable on the NHS. However, marijuana remains illegal to buy or grow without a prescription and is classified as a Class B drug, which can result in up to 5 years in prison if found in possession without a prescription for a cannabis based product. The process for obtaining a medical cannabis prescription can be challenging, and currently access to legal medical cannabis remains limited in the UK.

Current Medical Cannabis Laws in the UK

Medical cannabis laws in the UK have a long and complicated history. For the last decade anyone has been able to buy cbd oil from health food shops and even supermarkets. As of now, it is legal to use medical cannabis if you obtain a prescription from a registered private doctor through a medicinal cannabis clinic. However, people found growing cannabis risk between five and fourteen years in prison, even if they have a medical condition.

The NHS currently only recognises four medical conditions eligible for prescriptions: Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Multiple sclerosis, and Nausea developed as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Only 977 NHS prescriptions for Cannabis Based Medicinal Products (CBPMs) were issued in 2021 according to the Cannabis Industry Council [2]. Private practices have more freedom when prescribing medical cannabis and can prescribe it for a wider range of medical needs.

The UK medical cannabis registry makes access legal in the UK, but progress around changes in law and guidelines has been slow. Conferences such as Cannabis Europa by Prohibition Partners and research from Drug Science aim to draw more attention to the issue. Many people who could benefit from medical cannabis struggle to access it due to the limited availability of prescriptions. The limited availability for prescriptions is increasing the end cost to the patient. Attitudes towards cannabis use are slowly changing; however patients need adequate access to medical marijuana.

In order to obtain medical cannabis, you must be eligible for a prescription. This process involves an initial assessment by a registered specialist doctor, followed by an application made through the government’s Home Office. Licences are only granted when medicinal cannabis has been accepted by healthcare and social care professionals as an appropriate treatment option.

According to research conducted by Public Health England, approximately 7.4% of UK citizens have used cannabis [3] within the past year despite its illegal status for recreational use. This highlights how easy it is for people who do not have access to medical care to fall into criminality and risk imprisonment simply for accessing this substance.

Although there are risks associated with the use of cannabis medical products as with any medication, patients must weigh up their benefits versus their risks when deciding on whether or not they should pursue prescription treatment involving medicinal cannabinoid products. Those risk factors and potential side effects include things such as memory impairment, dizziness, decreased reaction times and possible addiction. It is important to note however these side effects are often less severe than traditional treatment options and are usually minimised by using low THC strains. Research by Drug Science in their Project Twenty21 [4] study has indicated that patients prescribed CBMP’s experience few negative symptoms after administering a dose.

Medical cannabis should be looked at in the same way any other prescription medication is considered regarding the risks and benefits of its use. For example: chemotherapy for cancer can damage healthy cells and has many unpleasant side-effects, but when weighed against the potential life-saving benefits it becomes a logical course of treatment.

Now that you understand more about medical cannabis laws in the UK, let’s take a closer look at recent changes to the law and how they affect those who are seeking to access medical cannabis products legally.

Recent Changes to the Law

Medical use of cannabis was legalised in November 2018 within the UK [5], and under current laws, it can only be prescribed by a registered specialist doctor because it is a controlled drug. The change became public following high-profile cases involving two boys with epilepsy whose parents lobbied extensively for medicinal cannabis legalisation - not just your over the counter cbd product. 

In 2018, Alfie Dingley, a young boy suffering from a rare and debilitating form of epilepsy, became the first child in the UK to receive a prescription for medical cannabis. His case helped change the narrative around medicinal cannabis use and forced the government to take action surrounding its regulation and availability. 

The new law also allowed for cannabis-based products such as Sativex to become eligible for medicinal use through private practices or obtaining an NHS prescription. However, regulatory complications have made accessing these types of medications difficult and chances of receiving a prescription remain low due to health care providers reluctance to prescribe.

In September 2020, further changes were made to regulations around cannabis cultivation. In theory, this will enable companies to legally cultivate cannabis within the UK for pharmaceutical purposes; however strict regulations surrounding cultivation impose significant practical barriers for companies trying to start up production of medical cannabis.

Despite being legalised in certain circumstances, access remains limited which restricts the potential benefits that people could experience from using it as part of their medical treatment.

According to Norfolk Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb, former health minister and Cannabis Industries Association chairperson “Despite some significant steps forward in recent years such as legalising medical use there is still much work that needs to be done to ensure cannabis products are accessible to those who could benefit from them."

This is arguably similar to legalising penicillin, a drug that may seem innocuous but can have significant benefits for people with life-threatening diseases.

Now that we’ve reviewed recent changes in UK laws regarding medical cannabis, let's delve into requirements for accessing these products legally through a prescription.

Is Cultivation Allowed in the UK?

Many patients often wonder whether they can grow their medical cannabis at home in the UK. Unfortunately, even with a prescription, cultivation of cannabis remains illegal without a proper licence from the Home Office. [6] In fact, unauthorised cultivation or possession of any amount of cannabis can lead to serious legal consequences.

The Home Office grants licences for the cultivation of medical cannabis under strict conditions through its "Medicinal Cannabis Licencing scheme." The scheme stipulates that only companies and individuals with a satisfactory security protocol, business plan, and standard operating procedure are eligible to apply. Furthermore, licensed growers must adhere to strict regulations for cultivation, processing, storage, and distribution.

In 2016, even with restrictive domestic policies on cannabis use, the UK was responsible for exporting an estimated 67.7% of total world medical cannabis [7], making it the largest global exporter.

Despite this regulation, obtaining a licence for cultivating medical cannabis can be challenging, as the process is rigorous and limited to several specific cases where it's clear that imported pharmaceutical-grade products aren't suitable for certain patients. Those interested in growing their own cannabis should also take into consideration the lack of strain standardisation, which could result in variations in potency and inconsistent dosages.


Although some people argue that allowing patients to cultivate their own cannabis for therapeutic use could reduce costs and offer wider strain options with more consistent potency levels than commercial products, others believe it would lead to illegal sales and production. Additionally, unsupervised cultivation can increase the risk of contamination or harm due to improper dosing, pathogen contamination or pesticide use.

Now that we've discussed cultivating medicinal cannabis let's take a look at how people can access it.

Licence Requirements for Accessing Cannabis in the UK

Access to medical cannabis is strictly regulated by laws set by both the MHRA, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) [8] and the Home Office. In most cases, patients must have a prescription from a GMC registered specialist doctor or consultant before they can use medical cannabis legally.

For example, if Jenny wants to use medical cannabis for treating chronic pain management, a qualified physician with relevant expertise in this area must prescribe it. Private practitioners who specialise in cannabis-based treatments can also prescribe medical cannabis for a broader range of conditions like anxiety disorders, chronic migraines, and chronic pain conditions.

Obtaining a prescription to prescribe medical cannabis isn't as easy. The National Health Service only allows four severe conditions: Multiple Sclerosis, Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. This limited availability has led some critics to argue that the UK’s current regulations surrounding medicinal cannabis are still too restrictive. Patients with chronic pain or seizures, for example, have reported difficulties when attempting to obtain prescriptions.

However, these prescriptions are only granted after thorough evaluations by specialists in the relevant fields with appointments lasting no shorter than half an hour. Patients must have tried two conventional medications [9] before medicinal cannabis can be considered. These specialists determine whether medicinal cannabis can offer a better option than conventional treatments. Furthermore, every recommendation is reviewed by the regulatory body responsible for issuing licences for the use of such drugs and patients receiving medications with THC in them are entered into a controlled drugs register.

Think of prescriptions like tickets to board a train or aeroplane-- you need one to gain legal access to treatment. However, unlike train or flight tickets which you can simply purchase online, obtaining a prescription requires proper qualification certification and extensive bureaucracy checks.

The ongoing national conversation about the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes has brought hope to those suffering from various illnesses. While official access channels exist through private practices and licenced dispensaries,cultivating illegal cannabis plants remains illegal without authorised permits and patients are unable to apply for individual licences to grow. As a result, licences must be acquired by businesses and thus a profit motive is required to grow medicinal cannabis.

Now that we've covered how people can access their medication let's dig deeper into the types of medical cannabis products available and some potential benefits and risks.

Medical Cannabis clinics and services in the UK

Currently, those with an NHS prescription for legal cannabis will find their options quite limited if they wish to purchase their medication within the UK. Only one licensed producer currently sells prescribed medical cannabis through pharmacies in the UK - GW Pharmaceuticals' Sativex spray - which contains both CBD and THC [10]. Epidyolex is a licensed CBD only tincture for use in severe paediatric epilepsy. However, private medical cannabis clinics have more flexibility around how their patients access medicinal marijuana.

For those who do have an NHS prescription but cannot access products through traditional dispensaries, they may be able to obtain medical cannabis from a registered private practice. Private practices can prescribe a wider range of medical cannabis products than the NHS, meaning that patients have greater access to medication tailored to their specific needs.

While this is encouraging for some patients, it also presents challenges. Many private practices require payment upfront, and the costs can be very high compared to street prices or cannabis social clubs [11]. This leaves many individuals with little choice but to continue using unregulated products from illegal sources.

It’s similar to purchasing medication at a local pharmacy or buying it online from abroad. The former offers assurances regarding quality and safety but may require having insurance coverage or being willing to pay out of pocket expenses. The latter requires less documentation but carries higher risks. We also offer a medical cannabis card which the UK police are trained to accept, to provide peace of mind and reassurance to patients. 

Purchase from Dispensaries and Private Cannabis Clinics

When it comes to accessing medical cannabis in the UK, options are still limited. Patients can obtain their medications either from a dispensary or a private cannabis clinic that specialises in cannabis-based treatments.

Private cannabis clinics and dispensaries can prescribe unlicensed cannabis products in the UK that have been produced by a Schedule 2 licence holder. They have a wider range of products and treatment options than just Sativex and Epidyolex. These may be ideal for patients who have exhausted other conventional treatments without success.

However, obtaining medical cannabis from private practices can be expensive as consultations with specialists usually cost more than the standard GP appointment fee [12] Due to the fact the NHS England doesn't prescribe cannabis products for most conditions, eligible patients need to pay for their own medications privately. The medical cannabis access bill aims to allow GPs to prescribe cannabis.

It's like having to pay for a private tutor rather than relying on the free education provided by the government schools – it’s an additional expense. But like certain education alternatives that provide better results, going through private practices can grant faster access to more specialised care that could lead to better overall outcomes.

 

[1]  NHS, Medical Cannabis, 2022. 

URL: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/medical-cannabis.

[2] Cannabis Health News, Sinclaire, S. Over 89,000 private cannabis prescriptions since 2018, fewer than five on the NHS, 2023.

URL: https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2023/01/17/over-89000-private-cannabis-prescriptions-less-than-five-nhs. 

[3] Office of National Statistics, Jones,P. Drug misuse in England and Wales: year ending June 2022.

URL:https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingjune2022 

[4] Drug Science, Nutt, D et al. Latest T21 Data, 2023. URL:https://www.drugscience.org.uk/t21data/ 

[5] UK Home Office, Javid, S. Government announces that medicinal cannabis is legal. 2018. 

URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-that-medicinal-cannabis-is-legal 

[6] UK Home Office. Controlled Drugs Licence Fees. 2021.

URL: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/controlled-drugs-licence-fees 

[7] Telegraph, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/06/britain-largest-exporter-legal-cannabis-world-despite-ban/ 

[8] NICE, Cannabis-based medicinal products, 2019. 

URL: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng144 

[9] Releaf, How it works, 2023. https://releaf.co.uk/how-it-works#:~:text=To%20be%20eligible%2C%20you'll,schedule%20an%20online%20video%20appointment. 

[10] MS Society, Sativex (nabiximols). 2021.

URL: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/treatments-and-therapies/cannabis/sativex 

[11] United Kingdom Cannabis Social Clubs, de Hoedt, G. Harper, S. Operations Manual. 2014. 

URL: https://ukcsc.co.uk/guides-advice/ 

[12] MedBud.Wiki, Prescribing UK Medical Cannabis, 2023.

URL: https://medbud.wiki/clinics/