Understanding Medical Cannabis Laws in the UK

Laws around medical cannabis in the UK can sometimes seem confusing. This is due to a number of factors, including recreational cannabis laws, medical cannabis law changes, CBD products and other notable aspects around cannabis in the UK. Here’s a clear breakdown of how the law treats cannabis both medicinally and recreationally in this country.

In the UK, when used recreationally, cannabis is illegal and classified as a Class B drug. This means that without a valid medical cannabis prescription, possession, cultivation or distribution of cannabis can lead to legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to five years or an unlimited fine. 

On the other hand medical cannabis treatment has been legally available in the UK since November 2018. This means that when prescribed by a licensed specialist (sometimes informally referred to as ‘cannabis doctors’), you can legally access cannabis medication as flower, edibles, vape cartridges, or oils amongst other emerging forms. 

This is not to be confused with CBD products, or CBD treatments, which have become popular in the UK over the last decade and are available to purchase over the counter in supermarkets and pharmacies. These products are legal as long as they do not exceed 1mg of THC per 'container' (bottle or packet). Some people find relief for certain symptoms with these products, but many medical cannabis patients worldwide are prescribed a wide range of different forms of cannabis containing other cannabinoids, such as THC, to provide additional symptom relief. 

It’s important to carry the correct documentation if you are a legal cannabis patient. For example, if a patient has a prescription for medical cannabis from a licensed clinic, they must ensure that they carry a copy of their prescription, either physically printed or digitally stored on their mobile phone to verify their status as a medical cannabis patient if ever questioned by the police or other authorities. 

Patients must also ensure that they keep their medication in the original packaging when travelling, as this makes it far easier for authorities to identify your prescription as authentic and yours. 

Licence Requirements for Accessing Medical Cannabis in the UK

To ensure that medical cannabis access is safe, the industry is regulated by multiple authorities. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) oversees the regulation of medicines, including medical cannabis products. In addition, medical cannabis is also subject to controls by the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Specialists who prescribe medical cannabis, sometimes informally referred to as ‘cannabis doctors’, must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). These specialists typically have relevant expertise in areas such as pain management, neurology, or psychiatry. They follow strict guidelines when prescribing medical cannabis.

Purchasing Medical Cannabis: Dispensaries and Private Clinics

Dispensaries, or pharmacies as they are more commonly known in the UK, work closely with medical cannabis clinics to provide medical cannabis to patients.

The process typically begins at a licensed clinic, like Alternaleaf, where a patient applies for a prescription through an initial medical cannabis consultation. If the application is successful, the prescription is then processed by the patient’s chosen pharmacy. The pharmacy will deliver the medication and be available to assist with any questions or issues regarding the prescription.

Medical cannabis products cannot be purchased from licensed pharmacies without a valid prescription, so it is key to apply for a medical cannabis prescription through a private clinic. 

How Much Does Medical Cannabis Cost in the UK?

When discussing the cost of medical cannabis, it's important to differentiate between service fees and prescription costs. All UK medical cannabis clinics charge service fees, which can include appointment costs, prescription processing fees, and more.

At Alternaleaf, we are proud to offer our services at the best value, providing flexible payment options, including a monthly plan or pay-as-you-go. We believe that offering flexibility in how you pay for your treatment is essential.

When considering the price of your monthly prescription, several factors come into play. Your condition, symptoms, and specific needs will influence the quantity required, as well as the form and dosage of medication, which can further affect the price. To give you an accurate estimate of your personalised prescription cost, we encourage you to contact us directly so we can provide specific advice tailored to your needs.

Can You Drive While Using Medical Cannabis in the UK?

Understanding the laws surrounding driving and medical cannabis prescriptions is crucial. Being prescribed medical cannabis provides you with a medical defence under Section 5a, Part 3 of the Road Traffic Act (RTA) for having THC in your system if you're ever pulled over by the police. However, this defence only applies if you are not impaired by your medication. Additionally, you should avoid driving when taking a new form of medication for the first time, especially until you understand how it affects you.

This important advice will also be reiterated on your medication packaging, which will warn against driving if you feel drowsy or sleepy from the medication. As with any medication, it’s important to assess how you feel and ensure that you are safe to drive before getting behind the wheel. While holding a prescription provides a medical defence for having THC in your system, driving recklessly or violating other driving laws can indicate impairment.