If you have been living with chronic pain, you may have heard that medical cannabis prescriptions have been legal in the UK since 2018. But many people are unsure how it works or whether they can get a prescription.
In this guide, we explain who may be suitable for treatment, how prescriptions work, and what to expect from your first appointment.
Key Takeaways
Medical cannabis has been legal to prescribe in the UK since 2018.
Most prescriptions for chronic pain are provided by specialist clinicians.
You will need to have tried standard treatments first.
Treatment is personalised to your needs and carefully monitored.
A specialist assessment is the best way to find out whether medical cannabis is right for you.
Medical Cannabis Prescription: Essential Guide Overview
Obtaining a medical cannabis prescription in the UK involves a specialist assessment of your medical history, previous treatments, and current symptoms to determine whether treatment is clinically appropriate. Eligible patients may receive personalised prescriptions containing THC, CBD, or a combination of both, with doses adjusted gradually through regular monitoring. Understanding eligibility, prescribing requirements, treatment options, potential side effects, and ongoing follow-up helps patients make informed decisions about their long-term chronic pain management.
Is Medical Cannabis Legal in The UK?
Yes.
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018. This means specialist doctors can prescribe cannabis-based medicines for some patients.
However, not everyone is eligible, and medical cannabis is not available over the counter or from your GP in most cases.
If medical cannabis is prescribed, it is provided as a carefully regulated medicine that meets strict quality and safety standards. According to the NHS guidance on medical cannabis, cannabis-based medicinal products are typically prescribed by specialist doctors following an individual clinical assessment.
What is Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis is a prescription medicine made from the cannabis plant.
It is different from cannabis bought illegally because:
It is produced to medical standards.
Every batch is carefully tested, and the strength is known.
It is prescribed by a specialist clinician when other treatments have not worked well enough
Patients must have regular reviews of their treatment.
Medical cannabis may contain two main active ingredients:
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – This can help reduce pain, relax muscles and improve sleep. It can also cause side effects such as feeling sleepy or dizzy.
CBD (cannabidiol) – This does not make you feel "high". It may help with pain, inflammation and anxiety, although research is still ongoing.
Different patients need different combinations of THC and CBD. Treatment is tailored to each person's symptoms and medical history.
Who Can Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription?
Medical cannabis may be suitable for adults with long-term health conditions when standard treatments have not provided enough benefit.
People often seek treatment for:
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Nerve pain
Some headache conditions
Having one of these conditions does not automatically mean you will receive a prescription. A specialist doctor will decide whether medical cannabis is likely to be safe and helpful for you.
Do I Have to Try Other Treatments First?
Yes.
Medical cannabis is generally considered when other treatments have not worked well enough or have caused difficult side effects.
You may already have tried treatments such as:
Pain medicines
Physiotherapy
Exercise programmes
Pain management programmes
Psychological therapies
Injections or other specialist treatments
Your specialist will review everything you have tried before discussing whether medical cannabis is an appropriate option. The NICE guideline on cannabis-based medicinal products (NG144) recommends that cannabis-based medicinal products should only be considered following a comprehensive specialist assessment that carefully weighs the available evidence, expected benefits, and potential risks.
Can My GP Prescribe Medical Cannabis?
Not for chronic pain conditions.
Medical cannabis for chronic pain is usually prescribed by doctors working in specialist clinics.
Your GP may still play an important role in your overall care. With your permission, your specialist will usually write to your GP after your appointment so that everyone involved in your care is kept informed.
Medical Cannabis Prescription Journey
The medical cannabis prescription journey is a structured clinical process that helps specialist clinicians assess eligibility, personalise treatment, and provide ongoing monitoring to optimise patient outcomes. Every treatment decision is based on individual needs, a comprehensive clinical assessment, and regular follow-up to ensure safe and effective long-term care.
What Happens at the First Appointment?
Your first consultation is usually about 30 minutes long.
If you are living with fibromyalgia, chronic nerve pain, arthritis, or another long-term pain condition, your specialist will carry out a comprehensive assessment during your first consultation. They will discuss:
Your pain condition
Your symptoms
Previous treatments
Current medicines
Your medical history
Your mental health
Your goals for treatment
The aim is to understand you as a whole person, not just your pain.
If medical cannabis is suitable, your doctor will explain the possible benefits, the risks and any alternatives before making a shared decision with you.
What Happens If I Am Prescribed Medical Cannabis?
If treatment is appropriate, your doctor will choose a medicine that best suits your needs.
Most people start with a low dose that is then increased slowly over time until you find the best balance between symptom relief and side effects.
This is called titration.
Finding the right dose may take several weeks, so it is important to be patient and keep in contact with your clinic.
What Forms Does Medical Cannabis Come In?
Medical cannabis is available in different forms.
These include:
Oral oils
Capsules
Dried flower for use in a medical vaporiser
Not every product is suitable for every patient.
Your clinician will recommend the option that best fits your symptoms, lifestyle and treatment goals.
Is Medical Cannabis Safe?
Like any medicine, medical cannabis can cause side effects.
Common side effects include:
Feeling sleepy
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Feeling light-headed
Changes in concentration
Many side effects improve as treatment continues.
Starting with a low dose and increasing slowly helps reduce the chance of unwanted effects.
Your clinic will arrange regular follow-up appointments to check that treatment is working well and remains safe.
Will I Feel "High"?
Not necessarily.
Some medical cannabis products contain very little THC and are unlikely to cause intoxication.
Products containing higher levels of THC can cause a feeling of being "high", particularly when treatment first starts or if the dose is increased too quickly.
Your specialist will carefully tailor your treatment to reduce this risk.
Can I Drive?
Some patients can legally drive while taking prescribed medical cannabis.
However, you must not drive if the medicine affects your ability to drive safely.
Always follow your specialist's advice and make sure you understand the current driving laws before getting behind the wheel.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Costs vary depending on:
The medicines prescribed
The dose you need
The number of follow-up appointments
Your clinician will explain all costs before treatment begins.
Is Medical Cannabis Right For Everyone?
No.
Medical cannabis is not suitable for every patient.
Some people may have medical conditions or personal circumstances that mean another treatment would be safer.
That is why a full specialist assessment is so important.
The decision to prescribe is always based on balancing the possible benefits against the potential risks.
Conclusion
Obtaining a medical cannabis prescription in the UK starts with an expert assessment of your condition and previous treatments. At Leva Clinic, specialist clinicians take a personalised, evidence-based approach to chronic pain management, helping determine whether medical cannabis is an appropriate option for your needs. With ongoing clinical support and tailored treatment planning, our team guides eligible patients through every stage of their care with safety and long-term outcomes in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Cannabis Prescription
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Not always. Many private clinics accept self-referrals, although any information from your GP or hospital specialist will be requested to help build a full picture of your medical history.
How long does it take to get a prescription?
If treatment is appropriate, many patients receive their prescription within 10 days after their consultation.
Can I travel with medical cannabis?
Rules vary from country to country. If you plan to travel abroad, speak to your clinic well in advance, as you may need additional paperwork.
Will my GP know?
Yes, your specialist will write to your GP after your appointment so your medical records stay up to date.
What if medical cannabis is not suitable for me?
Your specialist should explain why and discuss other treatment options that may be more appropriate.
How Leva can help
At Leva, we know that deciding whether to try medical cannabis can feel like a big step. Our experienced clinicians take time to understand your medical history, previous treatments, and personal goals before making any recommendations.
If medical cannabis is suitable, we will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan, starting with a low dose and reviewing your progress regularly. If it is not the right option, we will explain why and discuss other ways to help you manage your pain safely and effectively.
Our aim is to provide clear advice, compassionate care and evidence-based treatment to help you make informed decisions about your health.