Healthcare in the UK is evolving. Medical cannabis, once nothing more than a literal and figurative pipe dream, has undergone a slow but steady transformation - first, entirely out of reach before November 2018, then legal (but highly restricted with a bunch of red tape), and now, gradually gaining recognition as a legitimate, effective, and socially acceptable treatment option.
But with the NHS still somewhat living in the Stone Age when it comes to medical cannabis, private clinics have had to step up to the plate, providing patients with access to not only a pretty amazing range of medical cannabis strains, but also creating a space where specialist doctors can offer legal treatment options to patients in a collaborative, unbiased, and judgement-free setting.
So...
What is medical cannabis exactly?
Where does the medical cannabis journey for UK residents begin?
And where does the industry stand today?
Key takeaways
Medical cannabis is legal in the UK but highly regulated – Since its legalisation in November 2018, access remains limited, with the NHS offering prescriptions only for a few severe conditions. Private clinics have stepped in to provide broader patient access.
Medical vs recreational cannabis – Recreational cannabis remains illegal in the UK, while medical cannabis is strictly controlled, ensuring quality, safety, and standardised dosing for patients.
The science behind cannabis treatment – The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in how medical cannabis works, with cannabinoids like THC and CBD mimicking natural compounds in the body to provide therapeutic effects.
UK medical cannabis strains are carefully selected – While UK-grown strains exist, many are imported under strict regulations. Modern classifications focus on cannabinoid and terpene profiles rather than outdated Indica/Sativa distinctions.
Accessing medical cannabis in the UK – Private clinics offer consultations without a GP referral, but medical records are required. Costs vary, but as medical cannabis gains acceptance, prices are expected to become more affordable.
Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?
Yes, and it has been since 1 November 2018.
What is medical cannabis, and how does it work?
Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-based products prescribed for specific medical conditions under strict regulations.
But weed was once just that - weed. Think back to say, the pre-mid 2000s (for those of us old enough to remember), and the cannabis scene both here in the UK and further afield was somewhat of a grim affair. No talk of Indica, Sativa, Hybrids, cannabinoid or terpene profiles - just plain old skunk, cheese, or a little haze if you were lucky.
But to say that things have changed would be more than a slight understatement. Today, we have a better understanding of the complexity and diversity of this humble plant than ever before.
What is the difference between recreational weed and medical marijuana?
For starters, here in the UK, recreational cannabis is still illegal. And from all the available info, this probably won't change anytime soon.
With illegality comes black-market issues. No regulatory oversight, no checks, balances, or quality control. That and the widespread misconception that all cannabis is created equally.
Medical marijuana, on the other hand, is precisely what it says on the tin - cannabis used for medical purposes, prescribed by a doctor, and legally obtained from a licensed source. The level of control is significantly more rigorous, with guidelines surrounding everything from growth and cultivation to logistics and prescription. The UK medical cannabis industry is among the most tightly regulated in the world, which - while frustrating for some patients - is also a big part of why more and more medical professionals are starting to take it seriously.
The science behind medical cannabis strains
It all starts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the largest neurochemical signalling network in our bodies. First discovered in the late 1980s, this system plays a vital role in regulating a surprisingly wide range of psychological and physiological functions.
Now, you may have noticed that the word "cannabinoid" is hiding in plain sight right there. This is because our bodies actually create cannabinoids (endocannabinoids, to be precise), which act as the signalling molecules of the ECS. They bind with the two ECS receptors, which is how the system is able to regulate and modulate so many different functions.
And here's where cannabis comes in - or, more accurately, the cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. These external phytocannabinoids mimic endocannabinoid function, binding with the ECS receptors and producing a range of both recreational and therapeutic effects.
Take THC and CBD as an example.
These are the two "major" cannabinoids produced by Cannabis sativa L. (the plant we commonly refer to as "cannabis" or "marijuana"). THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for producing the classic cannabis high, while CBD has been identified as having a much more subtle (non-intoxicating) effect.
Cannabis-derived cannabinoids share such a similar structure to our own endocannabinoids that they are able to also interact with the ECS receptors, sometimes even producing therapeutic effects beyond what our bodies are capable of.
And this is where different medical cannabis strains come in.
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What are UK medical cannabis strains?
There are two clear distinctions in the UK medical cannabis strain family - Strains grown in the UK, and strains grown elsewhere but available for UK patients.
Strains grown within the UK
Despite medical cannabis becoming a legal treatment option in the UK in November 2018, it is still totally illegal for patients to grow the plant, even for medical purposes.
But that is not to say that the UK doesn't have a thriving medical cannabis industry - only that it's limited to companies that have been granted two special licences by the government and strictly adhere to the rules and regs. It's not a cheap or easy process - but it's possible.
Strains grown elsewhere but available to UK patients
Medical cannabis has been legal in countries outside the UK for much longer, and patients there have access to a much wider range of strains. Parts of the USA began offering patients access to medical cannabis all the back in 1996, and the rest of the world is slowly catching up.
This is particularly true in countries with a more progressive stance on cannabis, like Canada and the Netherlands, and now Germany, Thailand, Portugal, and many more.
These countries also produce medical cannabis strains that can be legally imported into the UK, subject to strict guidelines.
But let's talk about strains...
Just like the plant itself has evolved, so has our understanding, thanks to an ever-increasing amount of research and data. For the last 50 or so years, strains have been historically split into the three categories mentioned earlier - Indica, Sativa, and hybrid.
The problem with these classifications
The trouble is that there is actually no scientific evidence to back up the assumed differences between Indica and Sativa strains. All come from the same genus, and while there is some truth to the differences in the effects, plant morphology, and possible different flavour profiles, this style of classification is starting to become at least slightly out dated.
As Dr. Ethan Russo, one of the world's leading cannabis researchers, puts it:
"Since the taxonomists cannot agree, I would strongly encourage the scientific community, the press, and the public to abandon the sativa/indica nomenclature and rather insist that accurate biochemical assays on cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles be available for Cannabis in both the medical and recreational markets. Scientific accuracy and the public health demand no less than this." and "It is clear that there are many chemotypes of Cannabis: THC predominant, CBD predominant, and mixed types. This is a good basic classification"
So that's where we are now. While the Indica/Sativa classification system isn't going anywhere fast (especially in recreational use), medical professionals and researchers are gradually moving towards a more refined system based on the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of strains, as well as other factors like strain stability, growing conditions, and genetics.
Now we see specialists and private medical cannabis clinics leaning into cannabinoid and terpenes profiles much more heavily, with the understanding that every patient is unique and may respond differently to different strains based on their individual ECS.
Most UK medical cannabis strains come with the THC and CBD content clearly marked, plus a brief list of the more dominant terpenes.
What are the best UK medical cannabis strains?
In terms of review scores, popularity, and overall availability:
What conditions can medical cannabis be prescribed for in the UK?
Again, this is a tale of two halves - What the NHS is willing to prescribe medical cannabis for, and what specialists working with private clinics can prescribe it for.
Currently, medical cannabis is only available on the NHS in very limited circumstances - specifically, those with rare and severe forms of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, or muscle stiffness and spasticity due to MS.
This is largely due to the lack of evidence-based research supporting the use of medical cannabis for other conditions, as well as strict regulations around prescribing controlled substances. That said, this lack is mostly due to the last century or so of heavy prohibition, stigma, and legal restrictions - all of which is changing as we speak.
How can the rest of us get access to a UK medical cannabis prescription and medical cannabis strains?
Thankfully, for UK patients who can benefit from a medical prescription but do not fall under the NHS guidelines, there are options. Private UK medical cannabis clinics have the legal right to work with specialist doctors who can assess a patient's individual case and prescribe medical cannabis accordingly.
So far, the more common conditions to be granted a prescription for are chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, arthritis, and neurological conditions like Parkinson's and Tourette Syndrome. But this is only a very short subsection of the many health issues that medical cannabis can potentially help with, and be prescribed for in the UK.
Do patients need a GP referral?
No, but you do need to have your full medical records available for the prescribing doctor to review. These clinics can usually request these records on your behalf, or you can request them from your GP to bring with you.
It's also helpful to have a referral letter or supporting evidence from a specialist if possible, but this isn't 100% necessary.
What happens at a medical cannabis clinic UK consultation?
Your prescribing specialist will review all the information provided, your medical history, and discuss potential treatment options with you, if you are found to eligible for a UK medical cannabis prescription. They will also have an in-depth discussion with you about your specific health goals, and address any concerns or questions you may have about the treatment.
If medical cannabis is deemed an appropriate course of action for your condition, a prescription can be issued. The type, dosage, and form (usually medical cannabis flower or oil, or both) will be determined by the specialist based on your individual needs.
How do patients know which strains are right for them?
You usually don't, that's the point. Your specialist will prescribe a specific strain or combination of cannabis-based treatment options based on the initial assessment. Keep in mind that medical cannabis treatment often involves some level of trial and error, as everyone's body chemistry and needs are different.
This is where having a knowledgeable specialist to guide you through the process can be incredibly helpful.
Do patients need to carry a medical cannabis card in the UK?
No, but some of the better clinics do offer medical cannabis cards to UK patients to help them in case they are stopped by the police whilst in possession of their prescribed medical cannabis. Be sure to always carry your prescribed medical cannabis strains in the original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible.
It's also a good idea to carry any relevant medical documentation that supports your use of cannabis as medicine - which is where a UK medical cannabis card comes in handy.
How much does a medical cannabis prescription cost?
That depends on which clinic you choose, but unlike NHS prescriptions, private medical cannabis is not covered by insurance, making cost a key factor. Patients typically pay between £80-£120 for an initial consultation, followed by £100-£300 per month for prescriptions, depending on strain and dosage.
Some of the better clinics offer monthly memberships to help keep costs down, especially for patients who need a higher level of support, more frequent appointments, and/or regular medical cannabis prescription refills.
The good news is that as medical cannabis becomes more widely accepted and used, costs are expected to decrease - making it a more accessible treatment option in the near future.
The wrap-up
Medical cannabis has come a long, long way in a surprisingly short timeframe here in the UK.
From being illegal for any purpose, even research, to becoming a specialised treatment option available through the NHS and private clinics. The stigma that once kept weed in the cupboards, garages, and attics has faded to a point where multi-million dollar, AI driven farms are now legally growing medical cannabis for patients right here in the UK.
It's still early days, but with so many health issues potentially being resolved, or at least supported, by medical cannabis strains, it's an incredibly exciting time for patients and the healthcare community alike. The future is bright for medical cannabis in the UK - and we can't wait to see where this journey takes us.
To see all the best that UK medical cannabis strains has to offer, check out curated lists of all the top medical cannabis strains available here in the UK.
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