Treatment Pathways: How to Access Medical Cannabis in the UK
Medical cannabis in the UK is only available through prescription from a specialist doctor under strict regulations. For patients living with long-term conditions where traditional treatments have not worked, understanding the treatment pathway can feel overwhelming. This guide explains how access works, what to expect, and how Medcann Pharmacy can support you at every stage.
How to Access Medical Cannabis in the UK: Step by Step
- Referral or Self-Referral
Patients can be referred by their GP or self-refer to a private clinic specialising in medical cannabis. - Specialist Consultation
A specialist doctor reviews your full medical history, previous treatments, and suitability for medical cannabis. - Eligibility Check
Cannabis-based medicines are usually prescribed only when other licensed treatments have failed or caused intolerable side effects. - Prescription
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes a cannabis-based product for medicinal use (CBPM). - Dispensing
Medcann Pharmacy provides access to your prescribed medicine, along with pharmacist support and guidance.
Private vs NHS Pathways
- NHS Pathway
On the NHS, access is limited to:- Epidyolex (CBD) for severe childhood epilepsies like Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut.
- Nabiximols (Sativex) for multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.
- Nabilone (synthetic cannabinoid) for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
These medicines are prescribed only by hospital specialists, under very strict criteria.
- Private Pathway
Private clinics have broader scope to prescribe CBPMs for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorders when other treatments have failed.
Patients usually self-fund, though some may apply for financial support through an Individual Funding Request (IFR).
👉 Start your treatment journey with Medcann Pharmacy – compassionate, specialist care with ongoing patient support.
What Happens During Your Consultation
- Detailed review of your medical history and previous treatments.
- Discussion of treatment options, potential benefits, and risks.
- Guidance on routes of administration – oils, capsules, sublingual sprays, vaporisers, or topical products.
- A tailored treatment plan designed around your needs and condition.
Individual Funding Requests (IFRs) Explained
An Individual Funding Request is an application made to an NHS clinical commissioning group (CCG) to fund treatment not routinely available on the NHS. Patients who cannot afford private treatment may consider this pathway, though approval is rare and usually requires strong clinical justification.
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Approved Medicines and Conditions
Currently, only three cannabis-based or cannabinoid medicines are routinely available on the NHS:
- Epidyolex – purified CBD oil for Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes (severe epilepsy).
- Nabiximols (Sativex) – oromucosal spray for multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.
- Nabilone – synthetic cannabinoid for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
🔗 Reference: NHS – Medical cannabis overview
Considerations in the Treatment Pathway
- Individualised treatment – tailored to your condition, medical history, and lifestyle.
- Safe administration – oils, capsules, sprays, or vaporisers. Smoking is not recommended.
- Monitoring – regular follow-ups with your specialist to track progress.
- Side effects – some patients may experience drowsiness, cognitive changes, or mood effects.
Trusted Resources
- NHS – Medical Cannabis Information
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance on Cannabis-Based Products
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- UK Government – Cannabis-based products for medicinal use
At Medcann Pharmacy, we believe no patient should feel lost navigating this process alone. Our expert pharmacists are here to support you from consultation to safe dispensing.
👉 Book your consultation today and take control of your treatment journey.