In the UK, it became possible to prescribe cannabis as an unlicensed medicine after the government changed the law in 2018. Doctors who specialize in certain medical conditions and are registered with the General Medical Council now have the legal power to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMP).
Currently, GPs are not allowed to prescribe CBMPs. However, they have the ability to refer patients to a private specialist if they believe it is in the patient’s best interest.
In order for medical specialists to be able to prescribe cannabis products to patients, they must comply with specific criteria set by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) as mandated by the Home Office.
Currently, NHS medical specialists are not authorized to prescribe cannabis products unless the patient’s condition is extremely serious, as NICE has not given them permission to do so.
Conditions for which the NHS will provide prescriptions include:
● Forms of epilepsy that are severe in nature and show a positive response to cannabinoids.
● Nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy
● Muscle stiffness or spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS)
The criteria for meeting the requirements for a legal private prescription of cannabis.
Private healthcare facilities and cannabis retailers in the UK are empowered to prescribe cannabis-related products intended to treat a wider range of medical conditions. Specialist doctors are able to issue private prescriptions under certain circumstances.
● The health care provider believes it is in the patient’s best interest.
● A licensed physician or health care professional confirms the patient’s diagnosis of an eligible medical condition.
● The person has experimented with at least two traditional medicinal drugs, but has not achieved the desired result.
People who often get prescriptions for cannabis-based medicines are people with common conditions such as:
People who frequently receive private prescriptions for cannabis-based drugs usually suffer from the following medical conditions:
- The state of anorexia
- Feelings of worry or anxiety
- Inflammation of the joints
- A respiratory condition characterized by difficulty breathing
- A neurological condition characterized by challenges in social interaction and communication, often accompanied by repetitive behaviors and restricted interests.
- Spine issues
- Malignant neoplasms
- Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
- Pain that lasts
- Persistent inflammation
- Persistent regional pain syndrome
- Inflammation of the colon
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Mental condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- The condition known as diverticulitis
- Abnormal muscle movement disorder
- Treatment of epilepsy/seizures
- Chronic widespread pain
- Shoulder with limited mobility due to stiffness
- A condition known as gout
- Episodes of severe headaches
- The cessation of menstruation in women, commonly known as menopause.
- Pain caused by nerve damage
- Nervous disorders
- End of life care
- Parkinson’s disease
- Disease
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Chronic inflammatory arthritis
- Inflammation of the joints
- Disturbances in sleep patterns
- Muscle stiffness
- Involuntary trembling or shaking
Medical conditions that do not fall under the competence of a specialist doctor to prescribe
Specialist doctors cannot currently prescribe drugs for certain conditions, mainly psychiatric disorders. This limitation is due to hard evidence indicating that THC use can exacerbate these conditions, making the prescription of cannabis-based medications potentially detrimental to patient well-being.
- A mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, commonly referred to as schizophrenia.
- Mental disorder characterized by loss of contact with reality
- Manic-depressive illness
This list is not exhaustive and it is always advisable to consult your doctor before modifying your treatment plan in relation to your mental health diagnosis.
Communicating effectively with healthcare professionals about cannabis
Patients with no previous experience with cannabis may face uncertainty arising from a limited understanding of the law, the types of drugs available, and appropriate usage protocols. Cannabis prescribing specialists have extensive experience in specialized medical fields along with training in prescribing cannabis-based pharmaceuticals.
Patients are advised to ask a number of questions in order to gain a comprehensive knowledge of cannabis as a potential treatment. If patients feel at any time during the thirty-minute consultation that cannabis medications are inappropriate, it can hinder their progress with getting a cannabis prescription.
A significant proportion of people in the UK who meet the criteria for a legal medicinal cannabis prescription have already experimented with cannabis and are aware of its effectiveness in managing their condition. Patients who have previous experience with cannabis are strongly advised to share this information with their healthcare professional.
Information such as strain names, dosing frequency, and the specific relief of symptoms experienced by patients can provide valuable information for physicians when recommending appropriate strains from the available options for various conditions.
Do I need to have a medical cannabis card for a doctor in the UK to issue a prescription?
A medical cannabis card is not required to obtain a prescription for cannabis-based medicinal products from a doctor in the UK. Let’s say you decide to get treatment from Release as a medical cannabis clinic. In this case, you will receive a photo ID with a QR code linked to a digital file of your prescription history.
In contrast to the availability of medical marijuana in the US, the UK follows a more tightly regulated system for medical cannabis that imposes stricter restrictions on prescription and production.
Are UK doctors authorized to provide private prescriptions for CBD (cannabidiol)?
In the UK, doctors who authorize the use of cannabis-based medicines are empowered to prescribe cannabidiol. Qualified doctors in the UK can prescribe CBD not only for conditions related to inflammation but also for the management of seizures, convulsions and tremors.
Cannabidiol (CBD) prescriptions are available as either flower products or CBD oil tinctures. If you would like a prescription for cannabidiol, it is essential to consult a qualified physician beforehand. The eligibility assessment will notify you if you qualify for medical cannabinoids.
Is it possible to get a prescription for medical cannabis to treat autism in the UK?
Indeed, people diagnosed with autism as adults may potentially qualify for a medical cannabis prescription. However, it is necessary to have two treatments in order to meet the eligibility criteria.
Is it possible to get a prescription for medical cannabis to treat arthritis in the UK?
In the UK, it is possible to get a prescription for cannabis for arthritis. To qualify, you must have a formal diagnosis of the condition and have tried two unsuccessful drugs, treatments or therapies aimed at relieving your symptoms.
Is the use of medical cannabis allowed in the UK under legal regulations?
In the UK, medical cannabis is legal from 1 November 2018. Qualified doctors recognized by the General Medical Council can issue prescriptions through private clinics. We provide an exclusive comprehensive bundle of medical cannabis recipes, ensuring a seamless and simple experience throughout your search.
In brief
It is important to keep in mind that each patient’s unique requirements are assessed on an individual basis. Engaging in a conversation with a qualified medical practitioner authorized to prescribe cannabis-derived medicinal products provides the best avenue for determining whether such a prescription may be appropriate for treating a particular condition or set of symptoms.
Don’t let the negative associations associated with medicinal cannabis stop you from getting the right treatment. Releaf offers personalized monthly bundles, expert medical cannabis advice and a dedicated medical cannabis card for protection, all according to your prescribed medical cannabis regimen.
