Question 1

What is medical cannabis?

Accepted Answer

Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-based medicines prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat specific medical conditions. In the UK, it has been legal since November 2018 for patients with certain conditions who have not responded to conventional treatments. These products are manufactured to pharmaceutical standards and are quite different from recreational cannabis.

Question 2

Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medical cannabis was rescheduled from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations in November 2018, allowing specialist doctors to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs). Recreational cannabis remains a Class B illegal drug. Having a valid prescription means you are acting lawfully when obtaining and using your prescribed medication.

Question 3

What conditions can be treated with medical cannabis?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed list of qualifying conditions — any specialist can prescribe a CBPM for any condition they believe may benefit, provided the patient has failed to respond to conventional treatments. In practice, the most commonly treated conditions are chronic pain (including neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia), PTSD, anxiety disorders, insomnia, multiple sclerosis spasticity, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and epilepsy.

Question 4

What is the difference between a CBPM and a CBD product from a health shop?

Accepted Answer

A CBPM (cannabis-based medicinal product) is a medicine — manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, prescribed by a doctor, and dispensed by a registered pharmacy. CBD products sold in health shops are food supplements. They are not medicines, are not regulated as medicines, and cannot legally make medical claims. They also cannot contain meaningful amounts of THC.

Question 5

Does the NHS fund medical cannabis?

Accepted Answer

In almost all cases, no. The NHS funds only three cannabinoid medicines: Epidyolex (for specific childhood epilepsy syndromes), Sativex (for MS spasticity, subject to a 4-week trial), and Nabilone (a synthetic cannabinoid for chemotherapy nausea). Everything else is private. NICE has concluded that evidence for most other conditions does not yet meet the standard required for NHS recommendation.

Question 6

How do I get a medical cannabis prescription?

Accepted Answer

The process typically involves: (1) checking your eligibility — you usually need to have tried two or more conventional treatments without adequate benefit; (2) booking an initial assessment with a private specialist clinic; (3) attending the consultation (often via video); (4) if the doctor agrees you are suitable, receiving a prescription; (5) registering with a specialist pharmacy and receiving your medication. Most patients have a decision within 1–2 weeks of their first appointment.

Question 7

Can my GP prescribe medical cannabis?

Accepted Answer

No. Only specialist doctors on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register can initiate a CBPM prescription. GPs are permitted to issue repeat prescriptions under a shared care agreement, but in practice very few do. Most prescriptions are issued and renewed by the private specialist clinic you register with.

Question 8

Do I need a GP referral to use a private clinic?

Accepted Answer

No — most private medical cannabis clinics accept self-referrals. You do not need a letter from your GP to book an initial assessment. However, clinics will typically ask you to provide a summary of your medical history or your GP records, and most will write to your GP to inform them of your prescription.

Question 9

How much does a medical cannabis prescription cost?

Accepted Answer

You pay two things: your clinic's fees and your medication. Clinic fees differ a great deal between clinics, so compare a full year and not just the first appointment: the Clinic fees compared page lists every clinic cheapest first, and the cost calculator adds your medication. Medication is paid to the pharmacy and depends on which product your specialist prescribes and how much. The NHS funds cannabis-based medicines only in a few specific cases.

Question 10

Will my private health insurance cover it?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly not. As of 2026, the vast majority of UK private health insurers do not cover medical cannabis prescriptions. This reflects the unlicensed status of most CBPMs and the lack of NICE guidance for most conditions. Always check your policy directly — a small number of specialist policies may offer partial cover.

Question 11

What happens at my first consultation?

Accepted Answer

A first consultation is a medical assessment, usually via video call, lasting 30–60 minutes. The doctor will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and previous treatments, explain the evidence for cannabis-based treatment for your condition, and assess whether you are an appropriate candidate. They will ask about contraindications such as personal or family history of psychosis. If suitable, they will discuss product options and issue a prescription.

Question 12

What forms of medical cannabis are available in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The main forms are: cannabis flower (dried herb, vaporised using a medical-grade vaporiser — the most commonly prescribed form), cannabis oil or tincture (administered under the tongue or swallowed), capsules and softgels, and Sativex oromucosal spray (NHS-funded for MS spasticity only). Your specialist will recommend the most appropriate form for your condition and lifestyle.

Question 13

What is the difference between THC and CBD?

Accepted Answer

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid — it produces the intoxicating effect. At therapeutic doses it has analgesic, muscle-relaxant, antiemetic, and sleep-promoting effects. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and has anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective properties. Many products contain both, and CBD can moderate some of the less desirable effects of THC. Products are prescribed at specific THC:CBD ratios suited to your condition.

Question 14

Will medical cannabis make me feel high?

Accepted Answer

Products containing significant THC may produce psychoactive effects, particularly when starting treatment or after dose increases. Medical products are designed to provide therapeutic benefit at doses that minimise unwanted intoxication, and most patients titrate their dose carefully. CBD-dominant products cause no intoxication at all. Your prescriber will discuss this and start you on the lowest effective dose.

Question 15

What is titration?

Accepted Answer

"Start low, go slow" — titration is the process of beginning at a very low dose and increasing it gradually over days or weeks until you reach the minimum dose that provides adequate benefit. This approach minimises side effects and prevents over-dosing during the adjustment period. Most patients settle into a stable dose within 4–8 weeks. Do not adjust your dose without guidance from your specialist.

Question 16

Are there side effects?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects include drowsiness or sedation (especially with THC-dominant products), dry mouth, increased appetite, and occasionally mild dizziness or anxiety at higher doses. Serious adverse effects are rare at therapeutic doses. THC can impair coordination and memory at higher doses — this is why driving is a significant concern. Your prescriber will discuss all potential side effects before starting treatment.

Question 17

Can I drive while taking medical cannabis?

Accepted Answer

You must not drive if impaired. Drug drive legislation (the Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended) prohibits driving above set blood-concentration limits for THC — and the limits are very low. THC can be detectable in blood for hours after use and in urine for days. Even with a valid prescription, you can be prosecuted. Many patients time their doses to avoid driving hours, or use CBD-only products for daytime use. Discuss driving carefully with your prescriber.

Question 18

Can I travel abroad with my prescription?

Accepted Answer

This is complex and country-specific. Cannabis remains illegal in many countries regardless of a UK prescription. Within the UK you can carry your prescribed medication. If travelling abroad, check the laws of both your destination and any transit countries carefully before travelling. Never assume a UK prescription provides protection overseas. Many patients simply do not travel with their medication internationally.

Question 19

Could my employer find out, or could I lose my job?

Accepted Answer

A medical cannabis prescription is confidential medical information. Employers are not routinely notified. However, some industries (transport, safety-critical roles, emergency services, military) carry out drug testing, and THC will show positive even with a valid prescription. You should disclose your prescription to occupational health if your employer conducts testing — a prescription is a mitigating factor but does not guarantee protection. Seek specialist employment advice if you are in a safety-critical role.

Question 20

Where can I store my medication?

Accepted Answer

Medical cannabis should be stored securely, out of reach of children, in its original packaging. Flower products should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light. You are not legally required to store it in a locked container at home, but secure storage is strongly advisable. Never share your prescribed medication with another person — this is an offence.

Question 21

How do I find a clinic near me?

Accepted Answer

Use the search bar on our directory page to search by city, postcode, or clinic name. You can filter by category, verification status, and other criteria. Most clinics offer video consultations, so you are not limited to clinics in your immediate area.

Question 22

Are the clinics verified?

Accepted Answer

Listings come from published information about each clinic and pharmacy. Where one is on record we show a clinic's CQC rating and a pharmacy's GPhC inspection result, with the date it was recorded. We have not independently verified every listing, and none currently carries a verified badge. Always check the CQC and GPhC websites and do your own due diligence before committing to a clinic.

Question 23

How can I submit a clinic to the directory?

Accepted Answer

Click "Submit a Clinic" in the navigation menu. Fill out the form with the clinic's details and we will review the submission. If the clinic meets our criteria it will be added to the directory. Submissions are free.

Medical cannabis in the UK: your questions answered

General Questions

Getting a Prescription

Treatment & Medication

Legal & Practical

Using This Directory

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