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In the UK, it’s currently classed as both a medicine and Class B drug – depending on who uses it, and where it came from.
It is sometimes referred to as aA substance that eases anxiety and insomnia in some people, but causes it in others.
And a potentially life-improving health treatment you can, but mostly can’t, get a prescription for on the NHS.
It’s little wonder there’s a lot of confusion around cannabis in this country.
To help you get a handle on the facts, here’s a quick FAQ for medical cannabis in the UK. Feel free to bookmark this page, to avoid any mix-ups in future.
What is Medical Cannabis, and How Does It Work?
‘Medical cannabis’ is an umbrella term for any form of cannabis (whether flower, oil or vape cart) used to treat a specific health issue.
It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system – which helps control bodily functions like mood, sleep, pain, appetite and inflammation – to provide relief from symptoms.
What Conditions Can Medical Cannabis Help Treat?
Research is ongoing, and there are positive signs that medical cannabis can help with a wide range of conditions.
These include:
- Anorexia
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Crohn’s
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis
- PTSD
- Tourette syndrome
Plus many more.
How Does Medical Cannabis Differ from Prescription Pain Medications or Over-the-Counter CBD Products?
The difference between medical cannabis and prescription painkillers is both minor and massive – in a good way.
A 2024 study showed virtually no difference between medical cannabis and opioids in terms of patients’ pain relief and physical functioning. The differences are key, however. Unlike opioids, medical cannabis greatly limits the risk of dependence, while also removing the chance of accidental overdose (a leading cause of death).
We’d also urge caution about over-the-counter cannabidiol (CBD) products. In the UK, medical cannabis is highly controlled and, as a result, safe. Yet shop-bought CBD is not regulated in the same way.
This means the product you buy could have far higher, or lower, amounts of CBD than listed in its description. Include illegal quantities of THC. Or do nothing whatsoever.
Indeed, joint research from Oxford, Bath and Alberta University revealed that in 16 trials that explored the link between non-medical CBD and pain, 15 were no better than placebo.
It’s also worth noting that CBD can potentially interact negatively with other medications. As such, it’s essential to discuss its use with your doctor – even when bought over the counter.
Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK, and Who Can Provide It Legally?
Though recreational cannabis remains a Class B drug (with possession punishable by up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine), medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018.
It is available on the NHS, but only in a miniscule set of circumstances. These are:
- Children and adults with rare (and severe) forms of epilepsy
- Chemotherapy patients with sickness or nausea
- Multiple sclerosis patients with treatment-resistant muscle pain and spasms
For all other health issues (such as the ones listed in the above section), medical cannabis must be prescribed by a doctor on the General Medical Council (GMC)’s Specialist Register, and bought from a UK-registered private clinic, like Alternaleaf.
What Are the Laws Around Driving While Using Medical Cannabis in the UK?
The legal limit for THC is two micrograms per litre of blood. If you take medical cannabis that contains it, you will almost definitely exceed this. THC shows up in your blood within minutes, and can stay in your system for months.
That said, while ‘drug driving’ is illegal, medical cannabis is not. It is possible to challenge an offence if you have a valid prescription and your driving was not impaired.
That last part is vital, as THC – similar to other medicines – can slow your reaction times and make you drowsy, and affects everyone differently.
Ask a doctor whether your prescription or dose may impair your driving. And if in doubt, don’t risk it.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects or Risks with Medical Cannabis?
Like all medication, medical cannabis comes with a small risk of side effects.
These include headaches, brain fog, paranoia, drowsiness, mood swings, nausea, insomnia and an upset stomach.
For many patients, the positive benefit medical cannabis has on their chronic illness far outweighs the occasional side effect.
What Are the Different Forms of Medical Cannabis, And How Long Do Their Effects Last?
Depending on your needs, there are various types of medical cannabis to choose from.
Such as:
- Dry herb vaporiser: With smoking not advised by UK doctors (due to the risk of throat and lung damage), dry herb vaporisers are a much safer alternative. They’re fast-acting, which can help conditions that need swift relief, and effects last up to a few hours.
- Vape cartridges: Liquid cannabis concentrate in a battery-powered container similar to a nicotine vape, the benefits of vape carts are ease (no grinding necessary) and discretion (no smell). Like a dry herb vaporiser, the impact is immediate, and tends to last between two and four hours.
- Oils: Slow-acting but long-lasting (up to a whole day, in some products), oil is a trusted option for patients who experience chronic pain, or who need a stable, high-potency dose.
Does Health Insurance Cover Medical Cannabis?
No. But that’s mainly due to how private healthcare works in the UK.
Anyone who has engaged with a health insurer will know they’re not set up to support long-term, chronic or ‘pre-existing’ conditions.
Medical cannabis can provide short-term symptom relief for various health problems – and boost the quality of life for those who have them – yet one thing it’s not is a cure.
While specialist doctors do make the case for novel use of medical cannabis in private healthcare, don’t expect this to change soon.
How Much Does UK Medical Cannabis Cost?
As medical cannabis is a controlled, highly-regulated drug, patients must pay for an initial consultation with a specialist doctor, as well as frequent regular follow-ups, in addition to their prescription.
The cost of prescriptions varies from patient to patient due to their personalised nature. However, there are options available for a wide range of budgets. For example, flower medication is available from £5 per gram and is often prescribed in 10g pouches or pots. If you’re interested in knowing what your prescription may cost based on your current or expected consumption, please reach out to Alternleaf directly.
The price of this law-enforced admin varies from clinic to clinic, yet Alternaleaf has launched new ways to bring costs down for patients.
For a monthly membership of £15, you can spread the cost of appointments, which saves £65 a year. Or, if you’d prefer to pay-as-you-go, you can do this for £39 each time (vs. £49), and make an annual saving of £50.
To find out more, contact Alternaleaf today.