Are You Eligible for Medical Cannabis in the UK?

Medical cannabis has been legal for prescription in the UK since November 2018, when the government rescheduled cannabis-based products for medicinal use under specialist oversight.

Yet, access remains limited — and many patients are still unsure whether they qualify.

Here’s a clear, evidence-based overview of who may be eligible and how the process works, both through the NHS and private clinics.

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General Eligibility for Medical Cannabis in the UK

You may be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription if you meet the following criteria:

• Age: You are aged 18 or over.

• Medical condition: You have a diagnosed physical or mental health condition that may benefit from cannabis-based treatment.

• Treatment history: You have previously tried at least two conventional medications or therapies without sufficient relief or with intolerable side effects.

• Mental health: You do not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, psychosis, or bipolar disorder (due to potential contraindications).

• Pregnancy: You are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively trying to conceive.

All eligibility decisions are made by a specialist doctor registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and authorised to prescribe cannabis-based medicines.

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NHS Access (Currently Very Limited)

Currently, the NHS prescribes medical cannabis only in very specific cases, typically where other treatments have failed. These include:

• Severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy (e.g. Dravet Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome)

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – particularly for muscle spasticity and stiffness

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting unresponsive to standard antiemetics

Even in these cases, prescriptions are rare and handled through specialist hospital consultants under Home Office oversight.

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Private Clinics: Wider Access for Patients

Most UK patients access medical cannabis through private specialist clinics. These clinics operate legally under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (Schedule 2) and have a far broader scope for prescribing.

Common conditions considered for medical cannabis treatment include:

ADHD • Agoraphobia • Anxiety • Arthritis • Autism • Chronic Pain • CRPS • Crohn’s & Colitis • Depression • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) • Epilepsy • Fibromyalgia • Insomnia • IBS • ME/CFS • Migraines • MS • OCD • Parkinson’s • PTSD • Sleep Disorders • Tourette’s • Tremors — and more.

Each patient is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The specialist will review your medical history, current symptoms, previous treatments, and potential benefits and risks.

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Step-by-Step: How to Access Medical Cannabis in the UK

1. Check Your Eligibility

   
   

   • Most clinics offer quick online screening forms to assess if medical cannabis could be appropriate for your condition.

   
   

2. Book a Specialist Consultation

   
   

   • If eligible, you’ll be invited to book an appointment with a GMC-registered consultant (usually via video call).

   • Some clinics offer low-cost or even free initial consultations.

   
   

3. Submit Medical Records

   
   

   • Provide proof of your diagnosis and past treatments (your GP can supply a Summary Care Record).

   
   

4. Attend Your Appointment

   
   

   • Your specialist will assess your history, current medications, and discuss cannabis-based treatment options suited to you.

   
   

5. Receive Your Prescription

   
   

   • Once approved, your prescription will be sent to a licensed pharmacy. Most clinics have an online patient portal or app where you can order and manage your medication.

   
   

6. Follow-Up Care

   
   

   • You’ll have scheduled follow-ups to review how you’re responding to treatment, adjust dosage, or explore alternative formulations if needed.

   
   

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Important to Know

• All medical cannabis in the UK is prescribed and dispensed under strict Home Office regulations.

• Prescriptions are for personal medical use only and cannot be shared or resold.

• Patients are encouraged to carry their medication in the original pharmacy container when travelling.

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Why Education Matters

At Haze Labs, we believe education is harm reduction.

The more patients understand their options, the safer and more effective treatment outcomes become.

Our mission is to help patients navigate legal access, advocate for reform, and ensure no one is left behind simply for choosing a medicine that works.

#️⃣ #EndOurPain #MedicalCannabisAwarenessMonth #MedCanAwareness #CannabisIsMedicine #PatientAccess #HazeLabs