Who Is Eligible for Medical Cannabis in the UK?

Medical cannabis can only be prescribed under strict conditions in the UK. Patients must:

  • Have a diagnosed health condition where conventional treatments have not worked or caused intolerable side effects.
  • Be under the care of a specialist doctor registered with the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register.
  • Be willing to undergo a clinical assessment to determine suitability.

Unlike many countries, GPs cannot prescribe medical cannabis in the UK. They may, however, refer patients to a specialist clinic.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Medical Cannabis

Chronic Pain

Medical cannabis is often considered when standard painkillers or opioids have failed or caused harm. Research suggests it may help manage conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and arthritis.

Anxiety, Depression & PTSD

While cannabis is not a first-line treatment for mental health disorders, some patients report improvements in mood, sleep, and anxiety symptoms.

  • Evidence: The Lancet Psychiatry reviewed potential benefits of cannabinoids for anxiety and PTSD, though further studies are needed.

Neurological Conditions

Cannabis-based medicines are licensed or considered for several neurological conditions:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Sativex, an oromucosal spray, is licensed in the UK for MS-related spasticity (MS Society UK).
  • Epilepsy: Epidyolex, a CBD-based medicine, is licensed for severe treatment-resistant childhood epilepsies such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes (NHS).
  • Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical trials are ongoing, but some patients report improved sleep and reduced tremors (Parkinson’s UK).

Cancer Care & Palliative Support

Medical cannabis may support patients undergoing cancer treatment by helping with:

  • Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
  • Appetite loss
  • Pain and sleep issues
  • Evidence: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) highlights cannabinoids as supportive care agents in cancer treatment.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disturbances are common in chronic illness. Medical cannabis may help improve sleep quality by reducing pain, anxiety, or night-time awakenings.

Other Conditions with UK Clinical Evidence

  • Tourette’s Syndrome: Small studies suggest cannabis-based medicines may reduce tics. (NICE Guidance).
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Crohn’s Disease: Limited UK studies, but some international trials suggest symptom relief.
  • Endometriosis: Some patients report improved pain management, though research remains early stage.

Patient Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, patients generally need to:

  1. Have a diagnosed condition recognised for cannabis-based treatment.
  2. Have tried at least two conventional treatments without success.
  3. Undergo a clinical consultation with a specialist doctor.
  4. Be willing to follow ongoing monitoring and follow-up care.

👉 NHS access is limited to a few licensed products, but many patients seek private prescriptions through registered clinics for broader treatment options.

Medical cannabis in the UK is not a first-line treatment, but it can be an option for patients who have exhausted standard therapies. Access depends on strict eligibility criteria, a specialist prescription, and condition-specific evidence.

Expand your knowledge: Return to our Cannabis Education Hub for more guides on safe, legal access to treatment.

Quick Eligibility Checklist

Ask yourself these questions:

➡️ Step 1: Do you have a diagnosed medical condition such as:

  • Chronic pain (fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuropathic pain)
  • Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
  • Neurological conditions (MS, epilepsy, Parkinson’s)
  • Cancer-related symptoms (pain, nausea, appetite loss)
  • Severe sleep disorders
  • Other treatment-resistant conditions supported by UK clinical evidence

👉 If no → You’re unlikely to be eligible.
👉 If yes → Continue to Step 2.

➡️ Step 2: Have you tried at least two licensed treatments for your condition without success or with intolerable side effects?

👉 If no → You must first explore standard NHS treatments.
👉 If yes → Continue to Step 3.

➡️ Step 3: Are you willing to be assessed by a specialist doctor (not a GP) registered with the GMC Specialist Register?

👉 If no → You cannot currently access medical cannabis in the UK.
👉 If yes → Continue to Step 4.

➡️ Step 4: Do you understand that medical cannabis:

👉 If yes → ✅ You may be eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK.
👉 If no → You’re not eligible under current regulations.

Next Steps

If you believe you may be eligible, the safest route is to:

  1. Speak to your GP about a referral to a specialist clinic.
  2. Or directly book a consultation with our private medical cannabis pharmacy.