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For decades, cannabis was viewed purely as an illegal substance in the UK. But that changed in 2018, when it became legal for specialist doctors to prescribe it for medical use. Despite this milestone, many people still don’t fully understand what the law actually allows, who can prescribe it, or how patients can access it safely.
Below we’ll be exploring the legal status of cannabis in the UK, more specifically medical cannabis regulations UK, who qualifies, and what patients should keep in mind when travelling with their medication.
What Are the Current Medical Cannabis Laws in the UK?
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
In November 2018, certain cannabis-based products - that have medicinal uses - were rescheduled. Now, it’s regulated under Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This means it’s recognised as having potential medical value, but is still a tightly controlled substance. As we said above, only specialist doctors can prescribe, and these prescriptions can only be dispensed by licensed pharmacies, and supplied under strict guidelines and oversight.
However, cannabis for recreational use remains illegal, as does smoking cannabis, even with a legal prescription. Instead, prescribed cannabis flower can be consumed with a dry herb vapouriser, that you should be able to purchase from your pharmacy alongside your medication. Our partner pharmacy, Montu, stocks a number of devices for a range of budgets. Your clinician can also offer advice if you’re unsure on which one would best suit you and your needs.
Who Can Prescribe Medical Cannabis and to Whom?
Two of the main prescription cannabis UK rules are that it can only be prescribed by specialist doctors, and prescriptions are only available to eligible patients under doctor supervision. We explore what you need to be eligible a bit later.
Medical cannabis is only prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan. Treatment is carefully monitored and tailored to individual needs.
How Patients Can Access Medical Cannabis Legally
When it comes to patient eligibility for medical cannabis, you’ll need two things: a diagnosis of a qualifying condition (we go into more detail on this later) and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition. If you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, it’s likely that you will not qualify. At Alternaleaf, we ask questions in our 30 second questionnaire that cover this.
We’ll decide if you’re likely to qualify for treatment or not based on the information you tell us. And if you are likely to qualify, you can book an initial assessment with one of our pharmacists. You’ll then have a doctor consultation where your medical history is assessed. If you’re approved, your medication will be dispensed from your chosen pharmacy.
That’s a light overview of the process. It’ll be explained in a lot more detail during your appointments, and we’ll send you more information via email after you book your first appointment. We’re with you at every stage of your medical cannabis journey.
What Conditions May Qualify for a Prescription
Medical cannabis can be prescribed for more than 50 conditions - usually ones that are chronic or treatment-resistant. Below is a snapshot of just some these:
As we mentioned above, it’s typically prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that private prescription medical cannabis is only given when clinically appropriate.
Medication and care is supplied under strict guidelines - largely laid out by the Home Office - to keep it regulated, compliant and legal in the UK. It must also meet pharmaceutical standards and, as we said above, is doctor-monitored. We’ve got lots more information on how to get medical cannabis legally in the UK here.
Travelling or Possessing Medical Cannabis in Public
When it’s abroad, or around the UK, there are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling with your prescription.
- Keep a printed copy of your valid prescription on you.
- Keep your mediation in its original packaging, with the pharmacy label clearly visible.
- Always carry ID, so you can verify that the medication and documentation belongs to you.
- If you’re travelling abroad, request a travel letter from your clinic. Alternaleaf will provide travel letters for free, and we recommend you request this around 2 weeks before your trip so it applies to your current month's active prescription.
- Keep in mind that some countries may require additional forms or documents to be sent. Contacting the location's embassy or researching the local laws will give you clarity on this.
We’ve got lots more information on travelling with medical cannabis here.
Staying Informed as a Patient
Attending regular consultations with healthcare professionals - like the specialist doctor or clinician at your licensed medical cannabis clinic - is the best way to stay informed as a patient. Currently with Alternaleaf, you’ll have a review with one of our caring clinicians quarterly. These online video appointments are your opportunity to ask questions, discuss your progress, and your clinician can adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Remember, medical cannabis can only be legally accessed through registered clinics in the UK.
Summary
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.