5 min read
Emily Ledger
Cannabis edibles have long been popular in recreational and wellness markets, particularly in countries where cannabis can be legally bought from licensed dispensaries. THC gummies are among the most familiar examples, but they are not available as ordinary consumer products in the UK.
For eligible UK medical cannabis patients, however, there are regulated alternatives, including prescription cannabis pastilles. Here, we explain the difference between THC edibles and medical cannabis pastilles, how they work, and what UK patients need to know.
Key takeaways
Contents
Cannabis edibles are food products - though this term often also includes cannabis beverages - that contain derivatives of the cannabis plant. This most commonly refers to THC edibles or CBD edibles, however, they may also include a range of other cannabinoids and terpenes. Common types of cannabis edibles include THC gummies, baked goods, chocolates, and drinks.
This form of cannabis product has become increasingly popular, particularly within jurisdictions with legal recreational cannabis markets. Consumers of cannabis and THC edibles favour their ease of administration, discretion, and of course, their effects.
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol - known more widely as THC - is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. It is responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use and is therefore popular among recreational users. Unlike smoked or inhaled cannabis, which triggers effects almost immediately, the THC in cannabis edibles takes longer to take effect as they pass through the digestive system. It can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours for THC edibles to “kick in”.
When the effects do eventually become apparent, the intoxicating effects of THC can also last much longer. Many users also describe the effects of THC edibles to be more sedating than other types of cannabis products.
CBD wellness has boosted the consumption of cannabis edibles in the UK. These products contain primarily CBD - a therapeutic cannabinoid that is non-intoxicating. CBD edibles may contain trace amounts of THC; however, THC edibles that exceed current limits and are not prescribed by a specialist remain illegal. Nonetheless, they remain popular among recreational consumers, who may make their own THC edibles from cannabis flower or oil or source them directly from the black market.
Yes, Releaf patients have access to medical cannabis pastilles that contain THC and CBD. Medical cannabis is legal in the UK and can be prescribed by specialists listed on the GMC Specialist Register for a wide range of conditions. All UK medical cannabis clinics prescribe flower and oil products, and some clinics, like us here at Releaf also offer additional products such as capsules and THC pastilles.
Medical cannabis pastilles are similar to THC-infused edibles. They are small, medicinal “sweets” that are designed to be left in the mouth to slowly dissolve before then being swallowed. They are made from a thick liquid that has solidified, giving them a jelly-like consistency that resembles that of THC gummies.
That said, these medical products are not to be confused with recreational THC products.
Unlike THC gummies and other edible products available on the black market, medical cannabis pastilles undergo stringent testing to meet strict regulatory requirements. This ensures they are safe to consume and contain the advertised levels of cannabinoids and other compounds. As such, medical cannabis pastilles can only be prescribed by a specialist clinician, and are not considered as first line treatment options.
NOTE: Despite being illegal, it is possible to find THC edibles online and from illicit suppliers. However, it is impossible to know how much THC is in edibles sourced from the black market. Furthermore, these products are not safety tested and can be contaminated with other compounds, making them potentially unsafe. Never buy or take from an unregulated source. If you are prescribed medical cannabis, only use the product supplied by your pharmacy, in its original packaging, and follow your clinician’s dosing instructions.
At Releaf, we prescribe eligible patients medical cannabis strains, medical cannabis oils, THC vapes, and now THC pastilles (medical cannabis edibles). All of the prescribable options available to Releaf patients can be taken alone or in combination to meet a variety of clinical and dosing requirements.
For example, different cannabis cultivars may be prescribed based on their cannabinoid (CBD and THC) content, and the needs of the patient. These flower-based products are prescribed for inhalation using a vaporiser device for ease of administration and optimal bioavailability, but a patient may also benefit from a range of other medical cannabis treatment options, including pastilles.
Non-prescribed THC edibles, including THC gummies, are illegal in the UK.
If you are interested in the medicinal potential of THC and would like to know more about the THC and medical cannabis pastilles options available, head straight to our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker. It takes just 30 seconds to complete, and will give you a clear idea of your potential eligibility.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
On the 7th July 2026, Releaf became the first medical cannabis clinic in the world to become B Corp certified. Verified by the non-profit B Lab, the certification sets in stone that Releaf is meeting the highest standard of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, and has made a commitment to continue improving the way we serve not only our patients, but also our team, and the wider community.
We are proud to announce a new partnership between Releaf and brainstrust, the UK charity supporting people affected by a brain tumour. Together, we want to make sure that anyone living with a brain tumour has access to compassionate, expert care through the most trusted medical cannabis clinic in the UK. Here is what the partnership means and how patients currently in treatment can get in touch.
A recent paper clearly highlights the huge gap between how many adults in the UK rely on illicit cannabis to help control the symptoms of their health conditions, compared to the numberlegally prescribed. An estimated 1.77 million UK adults still self-medicate with street-bought cannabis, with only around 100,000 having a legal UK medical cannabis prescription right now, despite medical cannabis being a fully legal treatment option since November 2018.
