Medical Cannabis in the UK: Laws & Regulations
Medical cannabis in the UK is tightly regulated, and understanding the legal framework is essential for patients considering treatment. At Medcann Pharmacy, we want to help you cut through the complexity so you know what is — and isn’t — allowed.
The Legal Status of Medical Cannabis
In the UK, medical cannabis is classed as a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means possession, production, or supply is illegal without authorisation.
However, since November 2018, certain cannabis-based medicines have been legal to prescribe — but only by specialist doctors under strict conditions.
What Is Allowed?
✅ Specialist Prescriptions
Only doctors listed on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register can prescribe medical cannabis.
✅ Specific Conditions
Prescriptions are typically considered when conventional treatments have failed for:
- Severe treatment-resistant epilepsies
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)-related spasticity
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
✅ Licensed Product Forms
Some products like Sativex (for MS spasticity) and Epidyolex (for certain epilepsies) are licensed. Other unlicensed cannabis-based medicines can still be prescribed by specialists under MHRA rules.
✅ Legal Possession and Use
With a valid prescription, patients can legally possess, carry, and consume their prescribed cannabis-based medicine.
✅ Licensed Pharmacies
Products can only be dispensed by pharmacies licensed under the Home Office controlled drugs regulations.
What Is Not Allowed?
❌ Smoking Cannabis
Smoking cannabis is prohibited, even if prescribed. Vapourisers or oral preparations are the typical forms.
❌ GP Prescriptions
General Practitioners (GPs) cannot prescribe cannabis-based medicines. Referrals must go through a specialist.
❌ Self-Medication
Possessing or using cannabis without a prescription remains illegal.
❌ Driving with THC
The legal limit for THC in the blood is 2 micrograms per litre. Even with a prescription, exceeding this while driving is an offence under the Drug Driving Regulations.
Key Regulations and Guidance
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Defines cannabis as a controlled substance. Read the Act here.
Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001
Sets out when controlled drugs can be lawfully prescribed. Read the regulations.
NICE Guidelines
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance on prescribing cannabis-based products for specific conditions.
MHRA Oversight
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates the quality, safety, and licensing of medicines, including cannabis-based ones.
NHS vs Private Access
- NHS access is highly restricted and generally limited to Epidyolex and Sativex in specific circumstances.
- Private clinics provide broader access to unlicensed cannabis-based medicines when a specialist doctor deems it clinically appropriate.
For many patients, private prescriptions are currently the most practical pathway.
Final Word
The UK’s legal framework for medical cannabis is still developing. While access through the NHS is limited, private prescriptions are helping patients access cannabis-based medicines safely and legally.
At Medcann Pharmacy, we guide patients through this process with clarity, safety, and compliance at the heart of everything we do.
Expand your knowledge: Explore our Cannabis Education Hub for more in-depth guides.