9.2%
9.2% of adults in the UK experience neuropathic pain.
1 in 10
1 in 10 people over the age of 55 are impacted by peripheral neuropathy, a common cause of neuropathic pain.
34%
34% reduction in neuropathic pain versus a placebo when administered cannabis-based treatment, according to a 2025 review of research.
47.5%
47.5% of 1,669 respondents to the largest survey of active UK medical cannabis patients ever conducted were prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain.
Symptoms
Allodynia or Hyperalgesia
Insomnia
Numbness
Spontaneous pains
Stabbing pains
Tinging
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
Depending on the cause of neuropathic pain, different treatment options are available and commonly prescribed by the NHS. Often the disease or underlying condition may be treated first in an attempt to reduce neuropathic pain, but painkillers, anti seizure medications, nerve blockers and surgery may also be prescribed or recommended.
Amitriptyline
Duloxetine
Nerve block injections
Pregabalin
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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"Neuropathic pain arises from nerve damage and is notoriously difficult to treat. Medicinal cannabis has shown promise in studies by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to reduce pain perception and inflammation, providing a potential alternative for pain relief."
Dr Michal Modestowicz
Neurology
14. 07. 2023
Cannabinoids come in two distinct groups. First up, we have our own endocannabinoids, which are created naturally in the body. These endocannabinoids act as neurotransmitters, sending signals to receptors throughout the entire human body, including the nervous system.
14. 07. 2023
31. 10. 2023
Although most of the clinical research and media attention has focused on cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD), the other compounds found in the cannabis sativa L. plant, such as terpenes, are starting to gain recognition for their potential therapeutic benefits.
31. 10. 2023
18. 09. 2023
A rapidly growing body of research studies emphasises the safety and effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in alleviating symptoms associated with neurological conditions. CBD not only offers general benefits for overall wellness and improved sleep, but it also possesses specific properties that target the symptoms of a wide range of neurological disorders. Consequently, individuals with neurological disorders are increasingly interested in exploring how CBD can enhance their overall health and well-being.
18. 09. 2023
Yes, some patients may be prescribed medical cannabis for neuropathic pain if a medical professional determines the medication is appropriate to help manage pain and related symptoms. There are various types of neuropathic pain, all of which are classed as neurological conditions because they’re linked to nerve damage or medical conditions that impact the nerves in some way.
While medical cannabis can’t repair nerves or fix an underlying health condition, the potentially therapeutic compounds in the medication could offer some relief for distressing symptoms.
Nerve pain is difficult to treat because it may come and go, varies in intensity, and can have multiple causes, even within the same health condition. For example, sciatic pain may be caused by too much activity irritating the nerve, but also by sleeping in an unusual position.
Painkillers and anticonvulsant medications can help some people, depending on the exact condition they’ve been diagnosed with. However, some people find that conventional painkillers aren’t fully effective for pain that flares and vanishes, and they may not like the side effects.
Medical cannabis has potentially anti-inflammatory properties that may help with nerve pain. A 2021 report in the Journal of Cannabis Research stated that patients prescribed cannabis experienced lower pain levels and enhanced psychological well-being.
To check their eligibility for medical cannabis, UK patients living with neuropathic pain can fill out a 30-second checker online.
Neuropathic pain has a range of causes, from pressure on the nerves to long-term nerve damage, often caused by another underlying condition.
Here are some of the types of neuropathic pain that a medical professional might prescribe medical cannabis for, for potentially better symptom management:
|
Type of neuropathic pain |
Cause and typical symptoms |
Neuropathic pain medical cannabis UK treatment: Can it help? |
|
Peripheral nerves are those in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. When these nerves are damaged, it can cause numbness, tingling, pain, loss of coordination, and muscle weakness. The NHS states that 1 in 10 people over the age of 55 have peripheral neuropathy, which is most commonly caused by diabetes. |
Some patients may be prescribed medical cannabis for peripheral neuropathy to help manage pain perception and associated symptoms, such as sleeplessness. |
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Trigeminal neuralgia is thought to be caused by pressure on nerves which affect sensation in the face. The condition causes sudden, sharp shooting pains in areas like the eyes, jaw, forehead, cheek, or teeth, that are so excruciating the patient may be immobilised. |
Evidence linking medical cannabis to relief for trigeminal neuralgia is limited. It may help some people better handle pain and associated symptoms. |
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Unusual compression of nerves in the thigh may lead to tingling, numbness, and pain. |
Meralgia paresthetica is managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, such as wearing looser clothing, and anti-inflammatories. Medical cannabis shows promise as an anti-inflammatory pain medication that may reduce the symptoms or perception of pain. |
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Sciatica is a very common nerve condition that irritates the sciatic nerve, leading to pain in the lower back, hips, legs, and even feet. |
Medical cannabis could potentially reduce the impact of sciatic pain, helping some patients regain mobility and a better quality of life. |
THC and CBD are two of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Prescribing cannabinoids for neuropathic pain could offer relief for some patients, because of how they interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
CBD is short for cannabidiol. Many patients may have tried CBD for neuropathic pain via topical treatments like cream or emollients. Research indicates that CBD could offer a supportive effect on the ECS, which is linked to pain perception and other aspects of wellness such as sleep and mood regulation.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, affects the ECS in a different way. This cannabinoid binds to receptors in the ECS, offering a potentially more direct therapeutic effect.
Medical cannabis contains multiple compounds which, when combined, could offer a range of benefits, depending on the individual’s exact symptoms and situation.
No, medical cannabis cannot repair nerve damage and isn’t a cure for any type of neuropathic pain. A consultant may prescribe medical cannabis to help patients manage the daily pain, sleeplessness, and mental health impacts linked to neuropathic conditions.
You may be prescribed medical cannabis for nerve pain as a complementary therapy that works alongside other treatments. Additionally, medical cannabis does more than manage pain. You may, in some cases, be prescribed medical cannabis for neuropathic pain to help with the following symptoms:
|
Neuropathic pain symptoms |
How symptoms present |
How medical cannabis for neuropathic pain could help |
|
The fear of pain and the worries associated with limited mobility or unpredictable flare-ups can lead to stress, feeling on edge, and persistent overthinking that can become exhausting. |
Some patients find that medical cannabis offers relaxing, soothing effects. A 2024 review of CBD research concludes that cannabinoids offer promise as anxiolytics, the scientific term for anti-anxiety medication. |
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Chronic nerve pain can lead to sleepless nights, trouble getting to sleep, frequent nighttime waking, and nightmares. |
Some patients may be prescribed medical cannabis to promote improved sleep via a potentially therapeutic effect on the ECS. |
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Because nerve pain is difficult to treat, dealing with it daily can lead to prolonged spells of low mood, despair, and feelings of hopelessness. |
One 2022 study of 129 individuals reported that depression symptoms reduced when they were treated with cannabis-based medication. |
Many CBD-enriched creams and topical treatments are available, often sold with the recommendation that these are rubbed into areas experiencing nerve pain to alleviate symptoms. A medical professional is more likely (if you’re eligible) to prescribe you broad-spectrum neuropathic pain medical cannabis treatments in one of the following formats:
· Oils
· Pastilles
· Dried flower for vaporisers
· Capsules
While a topical treatment, such as an emollient or cream, may offer some localised relief, medical cannabis capsules, oils, or other formats you take internally have a more direct impact on the ECS. It’s this effect that offers the most potential relief, and your consultant will discuss the best format and dosage appropriate for your symptoms.
Like all medications, there is a small risk of side effects when taking medical cannabis for neuropathic pain. Dry mouth, nausea, and mild dizziness may occur, and you may notice changes to your appetite. If your side effects become distressing, contact a member of the Releaf team immediately.
How Releaf works: Check if medical cannabis is an option for you by heading to the eligibility checker on the Releaf website. Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, evidenced by our 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from over 9,000 reviews. Our world-class clinical team includes more than 50 specialists, including experts in neuropathic pain and other neurological conditions.
If you’re eligible, you can book a consultation. During the consultation, a medical professional will assess your symptoms and current treatment plan, and decide if medical cannabis for nerve pain could be the next step for you.
You’ll get the chance to discuss formats and how Releaf pricing works, and you can then decide whether you want to move forward with your new prescription.
If you’re ready to join the 240,000+ Releaf community and learn more about neuropathic pain cannabis treatment, UK patients can fill out the medical cannabis eligibility checker or contact our team.
Releaf - redefining healthcare.
