What is Medicinal Cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis (also known as cannabis-based prescription medication) is a treatment prescribed by a specialist doctor to help manage certain health conditions.
In the UK, medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2018, but it is only available on prescription and must be supplied by a licensed clinic and pharmacy.

Understanding the basics

Cannabis is a plant that contains naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids. These compounds interact with a system in the body known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS plays an important role in regulating functions such as:

• Pain
• Mood
• Appetite
• Sleep
• Immune response

By interacting with this system, medical cannabis may help to manage symptoms in a range of conditions.

How does it work?

Cannabinoids found in cannabis can mimic or influence the body’s own natural chemicals (endocannabinoids). This interaction can affect how the body processes pain, inflammation, and other signals.

Because of this, medicinal cannabis is sometimes prescribed when other treatments have not been effective.

What conditions is it used for?

Medical cannabis may be considered for a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain
• Neurological conditions
• Epilepsy
• Anxiety and other mental health conditions

Eligibility depends on your medical history and whether standard treatments have already been tried.

What forms does it come in?

Medical cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. In the UK, it is available in several forms, allowing doctors to tailor treatment to each patient’s needs. These include:

• Flower (for vaporisation) – inhaled using a medical device
• Oils – taken under the tongue
• Vape cartridges – inhaled using a compatible device
• Edibles – less commonly prescribed in the UK

Each method has different onset times and durations of effect.

Is it the same as recreational cannabis?

No. Medical cannabis is very different from cannabis obtained illegally.

Prescription cannabis:

• Is produced to medical standards
• Has consistent strength and quality
• Is prescribed and monitored by a specialist doctor
• Is legal when prescribed correctly

Using cannabis without a prescription remains illegal in the UK.

Is medical cannabis right for you?

Medical cannabis is not suitable for everyone. It is typically considered when:

• You have a diagnosed condition
• Other treatments have not worked or caused side effects
• A specialist believes it may help your symptoms

If you are considering medical cannabis, the first step is to speak to a qualified clinician to assess your suitability.

Important: Always follow your clinician’s advice and only use cannabis products that have been legally prescribed to you.