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Glossary

NHS: National Health Service

The National Health Service (NHS) is the publicly funded healthcare system that provides medical care to residents in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The NHS is one of the few publicly funded healthcare systems in the world, and is the largest provider of medical care in the UK. Founded in 1948, the NHS was established to operate around three core principles: that it meets the needs of everyone, that it is based on clinical need and not ability to pay, and so, it should be free at the point of delivery. 

 

Does the NHS offer medical cannabis prescriptions?

 

Yes, but only for three specific health condition. Even if you are diagnosed with one of these conditions, recent history shows that you are unlikely to actually receive a medical cannabis prescription through the NHS. Since the introduction of legal medical cannabis in the UK in 2018, the NHS has only issued a handful of prescriptions due to the strict conditions and limitations in place.

The three conditions that are currently eligible for medical cannabis prescriptions on the NHS are:

  • Children with rare, severe forms of epilepsy
  • Adults with vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy
  • Adults with MS-related muscle spasms and stiffness

 

Is there another option for patients seeking medical cannabis?

 

Yes, there is.

Private medical cannabis clinics (like Releaf) have been established in the UK. The specialists working with these clinics have the legal ability to prescribe medical cannabis for a far wider range of health conditions. This allows patients who do not fall under the strict NHS guidelines to still have access to medical cannabis as a form of treatment.

To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.