Medical cannabis is legal in the UK if prescribed by a specialist for certain health problems.
To be eligible for medical cannabis, you need to have a diagnosed physical or mental health condition that has not been relieved by traditional therapies.
The NHS only prescribes medical cannabis for:
- Severe, rare forms of epilepsy (children and adults).
- Vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy (when other meds fail).
- Muscle stiffness and spasms caused by Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Who qualifies at Private Clinics?
- Private specialists have much broader discretion. They can prescribe for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Chronic Pain: Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Back Pain, Endometriosis.
- Mental Health: Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, OCD, Insomnia.
- Neurological: ADHD, Autism symptoms, Tourette’s, Migraines.
- Gastrointestinal: Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS.
A specialist will review your records to confirm that medical cannabis is the best option for you and that you don’t have any contraindications.
Who is NOT eligible?
Medical cannabis is generally not considered appropriate for:
- History of Psychosis: Most clinics will not prescribe if you or a close family member has a history of schizophrenia or psychosis, as THC can exacerbate these conditions.
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: It is typically avoided due to risks to the baby.
- Severe Heart Disease: Some products can affect heart rate and blood pressure.
- Under 18s: Except in very specific cases (usually severe epilepsy) overseen by a pediatric specialist.
