Access to medical cannabis in the UK is limited to patients who meet certain requirements. To qualify for a medicinal cannabis prescription, patients must have a serious medical condition and have tried other treatments without success.
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What Illnesses Qualify for a UK Medical Cannabis Prescription?
In the UK, medical cannabis is prescribed for a wide variety of medical conditions. The NHS typically limits prescriptions to a small number of conditions, including:
- Chronic Pain: In exceptional cases where other treatments have failed.
- Severe Epilepsy: Such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, where cannabidiol (Epidiolex) is licensed.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): For muscle stiffness and spasms when other treatments are ineffective.
- Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: For patients who haven’t responded to standard anti-sickness medications.
However, private clinics may prescribe medical cannabis for a wider range of conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Pain
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Chronic Migraines
- Parkinson’s Disease
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
For most conditions, medical cannabis is typically considered only after conventional treatments have been exhausted.
Requirements to Get a Medicinal Cannabis Prescription in the UK
Access to medical cannabis in the UK is restricted to limited circumstances:
- Be a UK Resident: In most cases, specialists will only issue cannabis prescriptions to legal residents of the UK.
- Have a Serious Medical Condition: Your condition should be one where there’s evidence medical cannabis could help and other treatments haven’t worked.
- Get a Prescription from a Specialist: Only doctors on the General Medical Council's (GMC) specialist register can initiate cannabis-based products for medicinal use.
- Understand the Risks and Benefits: You should be fully informed about the potential harms of medical cannabis before starting treatment.
How to Assess Your Medical Condition with a Specialist
If you want to discuss your treatment options with a specialist, here’s what to do next:
- See If You May Be Eligible: Discuss your condition with your GP or complete an online form like the one available at Wellford Clinics to see if you may be eligible for alternative treatments.
- See a Specialist: A specialist will review your medical history and decide if medicinal cannabis is right for you.
Patients can also go directly to a private specialist. Just remember to have your medical records ready for the consultation.
What Medical Forms Do Patients Need When Meeting with a Patient Care Specialist in the UK?
Before your appointment with a specialist, you’ll need your Summary Care Record (SCR), which is a summary of your medical history. You can request this from your GP or through the NHS app. Some private clinics, like Wellford Clinics, can help you get your SCR if needed.
Once you have your medicinal cannabis prescription, you’ll need to keep proof of its legitimacy. This includes:
- Photo ID (passport, driving licence, or PASS card) to match your prescription details.
- Medicine in its original packaging (the label has important details).
- A copy of your prescription.
- A letter from your prescribing doctor (if you have one), with your details and the doctor’s contact information.
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
