Medical Cannabis for Anxiety Disorders in the UK

Second most common mental health indication

The short answer

A specialist doctor in the UK can consider prescribing medical cannabis for an anxiety disorder through a private clinic. Clinics typically expect an SSRI or SNRI and a psychological therapy such as CBT to have been tried first. A letter from your GP or psychiatrist helps but is not always required. Whether it is suitable for you is the specialist's decision.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and does not constitute medical advice. The evidence base for cannabis-based medicines varies by condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Wording last changed on .

Overview

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the UK. They include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Medical cannabis is considered when patients have had inadequate response to at least two first-line treatments.

Common Symptoms

  • Persistent, excessive worry that is difficult to control
  • Physical symptoms including racing heart, sweating, or trembling
  • Social avoidance or significant difficulty in social situations
  • Panic attacks
  • Sleep disruption due to anxious thoughts

Conventional Treatments

Typically tried before medical cannabis is considered

  • SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram)
  • SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine)
  • Buspirone
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Eligibility Notes

Clinics will typically require evidence that SSRIs or SNRIs have been tried alongside a psychological intervention such as CBT. A referral letter from your GP or psychiatrist is helpful but not always required.

How to get a prescriptionFive questions clinics usually ask

This page covers how to get assessed. What the research says about treatment for Anxiety Disorders will be added here once it has been reviewed by a qualified professional. Your specialist is the person to ask about treatment.

Find a clinic that treats Anxiety Disorders

Browse CQC-registered clinics in our directory with verified reviews and transparent pricing.

Browse Clinics

Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. The evidence base for cannabis-based medicines varies. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your treatment.