What Is Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis-based products to treat symptoms of certain medical conditions. Unlike recreational cannabis, which is used for its psychoactive effects, medical cannabis is prescribed by a qualified healthcare practitioner and formulated for therapeutic purposes. Its main active compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate pain, inflammation, appetite, mood, and more.
Cannabis has a long history of medicinal use, and today it is legal in the UK under strict medical supervision. Patients can obtain medical cannabis through private prescriptions, usually after conventional treatments have been tried without sufficient relief.
Understanding Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis is derived from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. It can be prescribed as:
- Dried flower (for vaping or other inhalation methods)
- Oils and tinctures (oral drops)
- Sprays and capsules
- Topical creams
It is important to note that medical cannabis is an auxiliary treatment, typically used alongside other medications to manage symptoms rather than replace primary therapies.
For more detailed guidance, see our Medical Cannabis Dispensary Resources.
Conditions Treated & Active Compounds
| Condition Category | Example Conditions | Primary Compound Focus | Reported Benefit |
| Pain Management | Chronic Pain, Neuropathic Pain, Arthritis | THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) | Pain relief, reduced need for opioids |
| Mental Health | Generalised Anxiety, PTSD, Social Anxiety | CBD (Cannabidiol) | Reduced anxiety symptoms |
| Neurological | Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | CBD (for seizures), THC (for spasticity) | Reduced seizure frequency, muscle tension relief |
| Gastrointestinal | Appetite Loss, Nausea (Cancer/HIV/AIDS) | THC | Appetite regulation, nausea relief |
| Sleep Disorders | Insomnia, Sleep Discomfort | THC-dominant / Balanced | Improved sleep continuity and quality |
Forms of Medical Cannabis & Onset Time
| Product Form | Method of Consumption | Typical Onset Time | Primary Use Case |
| Oils & Tinctures | Oral Drops (Sublingual) | 45–90 minutes | Sustained symptom relief, easy dosing |
| Dried Flower | Vaping or Inhalation | A few minutes | Fast relief for acute symptoms |
| Capsules | Swallowed (Oral) | 1–2 hours | Discrete, precise dosing, long-acting |
| Topical Creams | Applied to Skin | Varies (Localised) | Localised pain or inflammation relief |
Medical Cannabis vs. Traditional Treatment
This table compares medical cannabis to common traditional alternatives (Opioids and Anti-anxiety drugs), highlighting the relative benefits and risks. This is highly valuable for patients making treatment comparisons.
| Feature | Medical Cannabis (Under Supervision) | Opioids (Traditional Pain) | Anti-Anxiety Drugs (Traditional Mental Health) |
| Risk of Dependency | Lower (especially CBD), Mild (THC) | High | Moderate to High (varies by drug) |
| Adverse Effects | Dry mouth, dizziness, mild cognitive effects | Severe side effects, sedation, constipation | Sedation, withdrawal symptoms, dependence |
| Long-Term Safety | Generally safe under medical supervision | High risk of overdose and long-term side effects | Long-term use requires careful monitoring |
| Primary Use | Chronic Pain, Neurological, Anxiety Support | Acute and Chronic Pain | Anxiety, Panic Disorders |
What Is Medical Cannabis Used For?
Medical cannabis can help manage a variety of conditions, including:
- Chronic pain – arthritis, neuropathic pain, cancer pain
- Anxiety and stress – CBD helps with generalised anxiety, PTSD, and social anxiety
- Appetite loss and nausea – especially in cancer or HIV/AIDS patients
- Neurological disorders – CBD can reduce seizures in epilepsy; THC can reduce spasticity in multiple sclerosis
- Sleep issues – may improve quality of rest for some patients
Learn more about Medical Cannabis Uses.
Medical Cannabis Prescription in the UK
Medical cannabis is legal in the UK but is restricted to specific conditions and must be prescribed by a GMC-registered specialist doctor. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Childhood epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic pain
- Seizures resistant to conventional therapy
Access via the NHS is currently limited, but private clinics are increasingly offering Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs) for eligible patients.
For guidance on obtaining a prescription, see our Medical Cannabis Prescription Guide.
What Are the Benefits of Medical Cannabis?
Many UK patients explore medical cannabis when NHS treatments have not provided relief or have caused intolerable side effects.
Potential benefits include:
1. Pain Relief
Medical cannabis is commonly used for chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, arthritis, and musculoskeletal conditions. Many patients find relief where opioid-based medications have failed.
2. Improved Sleep
THC-dominant and balanced oils can help reduce sleep latency, improve sleep continuity, and decrease nighttime discomfort.
3. Reduced Muscle Spasms & Tension
Particularly helpful for MS, spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, and chronic muscular conditions.
4. Anxiety Symptom Support
CBD-rich formulations may support anxiety-related symptoms when monitored by a specialist.
5. Appetite Regulation & Nausea Relief
Useful for patients undergoing cancer treatment, gastrointestinal conditions, or appetite-related issues.
6. Improved Quality of Life
Many patients report better daily functioning, mood, and activity levels.
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
While medical cannabis is generally well tolerated, it can cause:
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Mood changes
- Changes in appetite
- Mild cognitive effects
Patients should always consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment, especially if taking other medications. Only use products prescribed by a licensed doctor or obtained through licensed UK dispensaries.
Medical Cannabis vs. Traditional Treatments
Medical cannabis offers a natural alternative to opioids and anti-anxiety drugs, often with fewer adverse effects and lower risk of dependency. While opioids can be effective for acute pain, they carry a high risk of addiction and overdose. Medical cannabis is being explored as a safer, long-term option for conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety, though broader access and research are still needed.
Long-Term Effects and Research
Current evidence suggests that long-term medical cannabis use is generally safe under medical supervision. Ongoing studies are investigating its benefits for:
- Inflammatory disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Mental health issues
- Neurological disorders
Future research will help define optimal dosing, long-term effects, and additional medical applications.
How to Safely Use Medical Cannabis
- Forms of consumption: inhalation, oils, edibles, capsules, and topicals
- Dosage: follow your doctor’s instructions
- Source: only use licensed UK dispensaries or prescribed CBMPs
- Monitoring: report side effects and interactions with other medications to your doctor
Conclusion: Is Medical Cannabis Right for You?
Medical cannabis offers an alternative pathway for people who have not found relief through conventional medicines. With growing research, regulated products, personalised dosing, and specialist support, more UK patients are exploring whether it can help them manage chronic symptoms safely and sustainably.
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FAQ
1. What qualifies for a medical cannabis prescription in the UK?
You may qualify if you have a long-term health condition and have already tried at least two licensed treatments that did not work or caused side effects. A specialist clinician will determine suitability based on your medical history, symptoms, and overall health.
2. What conditions can medical cannabis help with?
Medical cannabis may help with symptoms linked to:
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Migraines
- Anxiety-related symptoms
- ADHD (case-by-case)
- IBS, Crohn’s, IBD
- Sleep disorders
- Neurological conditions
- Endometriosis
These vary person to person, and clinical assessment is required.
3. Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
Yes. Medical cannabis has been legal to prescribe since 2018, but only through specialist doctors, not regular GPs. It must be prescribed for a genuine medical need after licensed treatments have been tried.
4. How do I get a medical cannabis prescription?
You need to:
- Be over 18
- Provide medical records
- Have a long-term health condition
- Have tried two or more licensed medicines
- Attend a consultation with a specialist
If deemed suitable, your prescription is sent to a licensed UK medical cannabis dispensary.
5. What are the benefits of medical cannabis?
Patients often report improvements in:
- Pain levels
- Sleep quality
- Muscle tension
- Appetite and digestion
- Anxiety-related symptoms
- Overall quality of life
Results vary depending on the individual, dose, and product type.
6. What are the side effects of medical cannabis?
Possible side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Feeling drowsy
- Faster heart rate
- Increased appetite
- Mild anxiety at high THC doses
CBD products generally have fewer side effects.
7. What is the difference between CBD and medical cannabis?
CBD products sold on the high street contain only CBD and cannot contain more than trace levels of THC.
Medical cannabis contains controlled levels of THC, CBD, or a combination, and is only available with a specialist prescription.
8. Can I drive while using medical cannabis?
Yes — if you are not impaired and follow the dose prescribed by your clinician.
Driving while impaired is illegal. Patients should discuss driving with their clinic and review DVLA medical guidance.
9. Is medical cannabis safe long-term?
Evidence suggests medical cannabis is generally safe long-term when used under clinical supervision. THC tolerance may increase over time, while CBD is well tolerated even with long-term use.
10. Will medical cannabis show up on a drug test?
Yes. THC will appear on drug tests. If you have a valid prescription, you may legally explain this to employers or authorities. Always follow your clinician’s guidance.
11. How quickly does medical cannabis work?
It depends on the product:
- Oils: 45–90 minutes
- Flower: a few minutes
- Capsules: 1–2 hours
Long-term benefits typically build over several weeks.
12. Is medical cannabis available on the NHS?
Only in very rare cases:
- Severe epilepsy
- MS spasticity
- Chemotherapy-related nausea
Most patients receive treatment privately.
13. What is medical cannabis oil used for?
Medical cannabis oil is used for:
- Pain management
- Sleep issues
- Anxiety-related symptoms
- Muscle spasms
- Appetite and nausea
Its slower release offers sustained symptom relief.
14. Can medical cannabis help with sleep?
Yes. THC-dominant and balanced formulations can support sleep by reducing discomfort, lowering sleep latency, and encouraging deeper rest.
15. How much does medical cannabis cost in the UK?
Costs vary by clinic and product, but most patients spend £80–£200 per month, depending on dose and treatment type.
16. What is the difference between a medical cannabis clinic and a dispensary?
A clinic assesses your suitability and prescribes treatment.
A dispensary fulfils your prescription, supplies your medication, and provides ongoing support and refills.
17. Can medical cannabis help with anxiety?
CBD-led products may support anxiety-related symptoms.
THC may help at low, controlled doses but can increase anxiety at higher doses, which is why specialist guidance is essential.
18. Can I use medical cannabis with other medications?
In many cases, yes — but interactions vary. Always speak to your prescribing clinician before combining treatments.
19. Does medical cannabis cause addiction?
The risk is much lower than with opioids or sedatives.
CBD carries no known risk of dependency. THC has a mild dependency potential at high doses over long periods.
20. Can you travel with medical cannabis?
You can travel within the UK with your prescription.
Travelling abroad is more complex and depends on each country’s laws — always check guidance before flying.