FAQ

At Medcann Pharmacy, we know medical cannabis can feel overwhelming to patients who are new to it. That’s why we’ve brought together answers to the most common questions people ask, grouped into helpful topics.

If your question isn’t covered below, please get in touch for further support.

1. General Questions About Medical Cannabis

Q: What is medical cannabis?
A: Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-based medicines prescribed by a specialist doctor to treat specific health conditions. Unlike recreational cannabis, these medicines are legal, regulated, and tailored to patient needs.

Q: Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
A: Yes. Since November 2018, specialist doctors on the General Medical Council’s register can prescribe cannabis-based medicines when clinically appropriate.

Q: How is medical cannabis different from CBD oil?
A: CBD oil sold in shops is usually a wellness supplement, not a regulated medicine. Medical cannabis is prescribed, quality-controlled, and can contain both CBD and THC in precise ratios suited to the patient’s condition.

Q: Does the UK produce medical cannabis?
A: Yes, the UK is one of the largest producers of medical cannabis for export, although most prescriptions in the UK currently use imported products.

2. Eligibility and Access

Q: Who can qualify for medical cannabis in the UK?
A: Patients with certain long-term or severe conditions that have not responded well to conventional treatments may be eligible. Commonly prescribed for chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.

Q: Can I get medical cannabis from my GP?
A: NHS GPs cannot usually prescribe cannabis-based medicines. Prescriptions are almost always given by a private specialist doctor after an assessment.

Q: Do I need a referral?
A: You don’t always need a referral from your GP, but medical records showing your diagnosis and past treatments are essential.

Q: What conditions are most commonly treated with medical cannabis?
A: Chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and some cancer-related symptoms.

3. Prescriptions and Regulations

Q: Who is allowed to prescribe medical cannabis in the UK?
A: Only specialist doctors on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use.

Q: What does “unlicensed medicine” mean?
A: Many cannabis medicines don’t have a UK marketing authorisation. They are classed as “special” medicines and can still be legally prescribed if there’s an unmet clinical need.

Q: Is medical cannabis safe?
A: When prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy, it is regulated for quality and safety. Like all medicines, it may have side effects, but these are monitored by your care team.

Q: Will I get in trouble with the police for using medical cannabis?
A: No, as long as you have a valid prescription and your medicine is from a licensed pharmacy. You should always carry proof of prescription with you.

4. Treatment and Practical Use

Q: How do patients take medical cannabis?
A: Common methods include vaporised dried flower and oral oils. Smoking cannabis is not recommended as it carries health risks.

Q: How quickly does medical cannabis work?
A: Vaporised cannabis can take effect within minutes, while oils and capsules may take longer, usually 30–90 minutes.

Q: Can I travel abroad with medical cannabis?
A: Rules vary by country. Some allow it with a doctor’s letter, others prohibit it. Always check regulations before travelling.

Q: Can I drive while taking medical cannabis?
A: UK law allows driving with prescribed medical cannabis, but only if you are not impaired. Patients must never drive under the influence.

Q: Will I feel “high” if I take medical cannabis?
A: Not necessarily. Many prescriptions are tailored to reduce intoxicating effects. Some medicines are CBD-dominant, which do not cause a “high.”

5. Costs and Practicalities

Q: How much does medical cannabis cost in the UK?
A: Prices vary depending on the product, dose, and pharmacy. On average, patients spend between £150–£400 per month.

Q: Is medical cannabis available on the NHS?
A: Only in very rare cases, such as severe forms of epilepsy or MS. Most patients currently access it privately.

Q: Do private health insurers cover medical cannabis?
A: At present, most insurers in the UK do not cover it. Patients usually self-fund.

6. Living With Medical Cannabis

Q: Can medical cannabis replace my current medication?
A: It depends on your condition. Some patients reduce their reliance on opioids, sleeping pills, or anti-anxiety medicines under medical supervision.

Q: How does medical cannabis affect daily life?
A: Many patients report improvements in sleep, pain, and quality of life. However, it may take time to find the right product and dose.

Q: Will I become dependent on medical cannabis?
A: The risk of dependency is considered lower than with opioids or benzodiazepines. Doctors monitor usage closely to avoid misuse.

Q: Can I work while on medical cannabis?
A: Yes, if you are fit and not impaired. Some workplaces may require disclosure depending on their policies.

Q: Can you drive while using medical cannabis?
A: Yes, you can drive with a prescription for medical cannabis, but only if you are not impaired.

7. Research and Evidence

Q: Is there scientific evidence that medical cannabis works?
A: Yes, there is strong evidence for certain conditions (like chronic pain and spasticity in MS), and growing real-world evidence from UK patients for others.

Q: Why is research still limited?
A: Cannabis was historically restricted, so large-scale clinical trials are fewer compared to other medicines. More studies are now emerging as laws have changed.

Q: Where can I find reliable research?
A: Trusted sources include:

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance
  • UK-based journals such as BMJ Open and British Journal of Pain
  • Peer-reviewed research published internationally

8. Chronic Pain

Q: Can medical cannabis help with chronic pain?
A: Yes. Many patients with arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia report reduced pain and improved quality of life with cannabis-based treatments.

Q: How is it different from opioids?
A: Unlike opioids, medical cannabis carries a lower risk of dependency and fewer long-term side effects. It can also help reduce opioid use in some patients.

Q: Will cannabis cure my pain condition?
A: Cannabis does not cure chronic pain but may reduce symptoms, allowing for better function and quality of life.

9. Sleeping Disorders

Q: Can medical cannabis treat insomnia?
A: Yes. Certain cannabis-based medicines can help patients fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Q: Will I feel groggy in the morning?
A: Unlike many sleeping pills, medical cannabis is less likely to cause next-day drowsiness when dosed correctly.

Q: Is cannabis safe for long-term sleep issues?
A: Doctors monitor dosage and usage closely, making cannabis a safer alternative to long-term sedative medications.

10. Cancer Support

Q: How can medical cannabis help people with cancer?
A: Cannabis-based medicines can ease pain, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss, often improving quality of life during treatment.

Q: Can cannabis cure cancer?
A: No. Cannabis is not a cure for cancer. It is used to support symptom relief alongside traditional therapies like chemotherapy.

Q: Is it safe to take cannabis while on chemotherapy?
A: Yes, when prescribed and monitored by a doctor, cannabis can be safely taken with chemotherapy. Always inform your oncology team.

11. Mental Health

Q: Can medical cannabis help with anxiety and PTSD?
A: Yes. Patients often report reduced anxiety, fewer intrusive thoughts, and better sleep. Certain strains are tailored to avoid worsening symptoms.

Q: Can cannabis replace antidepressants?
A: Some patients reduce or stop antidepressants with cannabis, but this must only be done under medical supervision.

Q: Is medical cannabis addictive for mental health patients?
A: When prescribed and monitored, the risk of dependency is low. Doctors adjust treatment to minimise risks.

12. Gastrointestinal Disorders (IBD, IBS, Crohn’s Disease)

Q: How does cannabis help with Crohn’s and IBS?
A: Cannabis may reduce inflammation, abdominal pain, and cramping, helping improve digestion and quality of life.

Q: Does cannabis stop flare-ups?
A: While it may reduce symptoms, cannabis is not a cure. It is often used to manage flare-ups and improve daily comfort.

Q: Is cannabis safe for long-term use in digestive conditions?
A: Yes, with ongoing medical supervision. Doctors tailor treatment to minimise risks while supporting symptom control.

13. Neurological Conditions (Epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s, ADHD, Dementia & more)

Q: Can cannabis help with epilepsy?
A: Yes. Some forms of medical cannabis, particularly CBD-rich oils, have been shown to reduce seizure frequency in certain types of epilepsy.

Q: How does cannabis help with multiple sclerosis (MS)?
A: It can ease spasticity, pain, and sleep problems, improving daily functioning.

Q: Can cannabis improve Parkinson’s symptoms?
A: Some patients report relief from tremors, stiffness, and sleep issues, though research is still developing.

Q: Is medical cannabis safe for dementia patients?
A: It may help with agitation, anxiety, and sleep, but treatment must be carefully monitored by a doctor.

Helpful Resources on Prescribing Medical Cannabis

If you’d like further information about prescribing medical cannabis in the UK, you may find these official resources useful:

Helpful Resources on Medical Cannabis in the UK

If you want to learn more about medical cannabis, these official resources can help:

UK-wide guidance

Country-specific guidance






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