Pharmaceutical cannabis
Pharmaceutical cannabis is a rarely used but interchangeable term for medical cannabis. Other terms include medicinal cannabis, medical marijuana, and medical weed. These terms all refer to the application of the cannabis plant and its derivatives in clinical settings.
Is pharmaceutical cannabis legal in the UK?
Yes, medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018. It can be prescribed by specialist doctors for certain medical conditions.
What conditions can pharmaceutical cannabis treat?
Pharmaceutical cannabis, or medical cannabis, is used to treat a number of health conditions, including (but not limited to):
- Chronic pain
- Mental health issues
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Sleeping disorders
- Neurological disorders
- As a supportive treatment option for cancer
- Women's health issues
How is pharmaceutical cannabis prescribed?
Pharmaceutical cannabis prescriptions must come from a specialist listed on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register. This includes doctors specialising in neurology, oncology, or palliative care, among others.
The NHS is only willing to offer medical cannabis prescriptions to patients suffering from one of the following conditions:
- Muscle spasticity due to MS
- Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- Severe epilepsy that has not responded to other treatments
Prescribing specialists working with private medical cannabis clinics (like Releaf) can legally provide prescriptions for a much wider range of conditions.
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.