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Medical Cannabis in the UK
Understanding Medical Cannabis in the UK
What Is Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis or cannabis-derived products for therapeutic purposes. The main compounds utilised in medical cannabis products are the cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which have been investigated for their useful therapeutic properties. In addition to cannabinoids, whole cannabis flower or full spectrum extracts of the plant may contain other compounds called terpenes and flavonoids. These compounds are found across all plants and are often responsible for the smell, taste and colour of different plants.
There is some research into the potential medical properties of these compounds, however this is still an area of growing research. These compounds may help manage a range of health conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
There are several product types that fall into this category, including whole cannabis flower – which can be vaporised, as well as capsules, oils, sprays, and pastilles containing cannabinoids.
When Was Medical Cannabis Legalised in the UK?
Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK on 1 November 2018, following growing recognition of its potential benefits and pressure from patients and advocacy groups. This change in legislation allowed certain cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) to be prescribed legally by specialist doctors.
Currently, Sativex, Nabilone, and Epidyolex are the only licensed medical cannabis products in the UK. However, other unlicensed products may also be prescribed to patients where first-line therapies have been unsuccessful.
Who Can Access Medical Cannabis in the UK?
Medical cannabis is not widely prescribed in the UK. Access is limited to patients who meet specific criteria, such as those with severe conditions where other treatments have failed. Commonly treated conditions include:
- Severe forms of epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome).
- Chronic pain unresponsive to conventional therapies.
- Multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.
A prescription must come from a specialist doctor on the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register. General practitioners (GPs) cannot prescribe medical cannabis but can refer patients to a specialist for assessment.
How to Access Medical Cannabis
- Consult Your GP or a Specialist Clinic:
If you think you may benefit from medical cannabis, begin by discussing your condition with your GP or a specialist medical cannabis clinic regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). - Specialist Assessment:
A specialist will evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments to decide if medical cannabis is a suitable option. - Prescription & Monitoring:
If prescribed, the specialist will oversee your treatment plan and monitor its effects. - Dispensing:
Medical cannabis prescriptions are filled by licensed pharmacies. These products are tightly regulated to ensure quality and consistency.
What Are the Challenges?
Despite its legal status, medical cannabis remains difficult to access for many. Barriers include:
- High costs of private prescriptions.
- A lack of awareness of the legal status of medical cannabis
- Limited research evidence.
- Hesitance among medical professionals to prescribe it.
Looking Ahead
As research into the therapeutic effects of cannabis expands, there is hope for greater accessibility and understanding of its benefits. For now, medical cannabis in the UK remains a tightly controlled option for patients with severe conditions who have exhausted other treatment options.