What is a licensed medicine?
Licensed Medicine
A medicine that has received a Marketing Authorisation from the MHRA following full clinical trials. Epidyolex, Sativex, and Nabilone are the only licensed cannabis-based medicines in the UK. Most CBPMs are prescribed as 'unlicensed specials'.
Where you will see it
In the guides, to tell the three licensed medicines from the rest.
What CBPMs areRelated terms
- Epidyolex
A pharmaceutical-grade CBD oral solution. The only fully licensed cannabis-based medicine in the UK with NICE approval. Indicated for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients aged 2 and above. NHS-funded.
- MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
The UK government agency responsible for ensuring medicines and medical devices are safe and effective. The MHRA licenses medicines and oversees the supply of controlled drugs including CBPMs.
- Nabilone
A synthetic cannabinoid (not plant-derived) licensed in the UK for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting that has not responded to standard antiemetics. Available through oncology services.
- Sativex (Nabiximols)
An oromucosal spray containing THC (2.7mg) and CBD (2.5mg) per spray in a 1:1 ratio. The only licensed cannabis-based medicine for MS-related spasticity in the UK. NHS-funded for qualifying MS patients who pass an initial trial.
- CINV (Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting)
Nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. A well-evidenced indication for cannabinoid medicines including nabilone.
This is a plain-language definition for general understanding, not medical or legal advice.
All 101 terms