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Medical cannabis is rapidly gaining recognition in the UK for its potential to help manage a wide range of health conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety. But what exactly is medical cannabis, and how does it differ from recreational use?
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
Below we’ll be exploring cannabis for medical use vs personal use, as well as medical cannabis benefits and recreational cannabis law in the UK. We’ll also explain how to access medical cannabis legally through clinics like Alternaleaf.
What Is Medical Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant cultivated by humans for centuries for nutritional and medicinal purposes. It contains over 100 cannabinoids, or active compounds, that can cause effects throughout the body.
Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these compounds that you’ve probably heard of. If you haven’t, you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
The two of these cannabinoids, along with a combination of other active compounds like terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids, might sometimes work together to potentially produce medical cannabis benefits and effects. This is due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Since 2018, doctors have been able to legally provide prescription cannabis in the UK. Medical cannabis is regulated, grown in controlled environments and to a strict level of quality. It can be consumed in flower form, or compounds can be extracted for different applications such as cannabis oil, topicals, capsules, tinctures, and more.
It can be prescribed for over 50 conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and more. A medical cannabis prescription with Alternaleaf also means your treatment journey is supported and monitored by UK specialists.
What Is Recreational Cannabis?
Using cannabis recreationally is illegal. Some people use it to self medicate, others use it to experience the ‘high’ recreational cannabis is often associated with. But either way, without a prescription, cannabis use remains illegal in the UK.
Recreational cannabis lacks medical oversight, and is obtained from unregulated and illegal sources. You don’t know where it has come from, what it contains, or how it will affect you. Each time you purchase could result in different effects after consumption.
Key Differences Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis
Why Medical Cannabis Is Regulated and Safer in the UK
As we mentioned above, medical cannabis in the UK is held to strict regulatory standards that ensure both safety and consistency. All products must be sourced from licensed producers. This means every product is lab-tested for quality, potency, and purity — so you know exactly what you're getting. Unlike street-sourced cannabis, which can vary in strength and may contain harmful contaminants.
Additionally, medical cannabis is prescribed and monitored by qualified clinicians who assess your condition, guide your treatment plan, and adjust your dosage if needed. This clinical oversight dramatically reduces the risk of side effects or misuse, making your experience with medical cannabis safer and more predictable. When you receive your prescription through a licensed clinic, you’re not only getting a product that meets high medical standards — you’re also getting professional support at every step of your journey, and legal cover.
CBD vs THC in cannabis: Cannabinoid Content in Medical vs Recreational Cannabis
Both medical and recreational cannabis can contain varying levels of THC and CBD. This is largely because medical and recreational cannabis come from the same plant. How it’s accessed and prescribed is where the differences arise.
So, it’s not really the cannabinoid content that we should focus on when exploring the differences between the two, although balanced strains do exist. Instead, we should focus on how medical cannabis is prescribed by a professional.
What Conditions Can You Get A Medical Cannabis Prescription For in the UK?
At Alternaleaf, we prescribe for over 50 conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website. Below is a snapshot of some of these conditions:
Head to our conditions page to find out more.
Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in the UK?
No, recreational cannabis use is illegal in the UK, and possession can lead to fines or prosecution under UK law.
Also, keep in mind smoking a medical cannabis prescription is illegal in the UK. So, if your preferred method of consumption for medical cannabis is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
How to Access Medical Cannabis Legally Through Alternaleaf
To access medical cannabis legally through Alternaleaf, you’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition, as well as evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for the condition. Keep in mind, if you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify.
That pretty much covers our initial eligibility criteria. You can also find out if you’re eligible - and get started - by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
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.
We’ve got lots more detail on the process of becoming an Alternaleaf patient here.
If you do qualify, one of the best parts about being a legal patient - other than being legal - is that you’ll have ongoing tailored care for you and your symptoms.
Summary
Medical cannabis offers a safe, legal, and clinically guided alternative to unregulated recreational use. With carefully balanced cannabinoid content and strict quality controls, it can potentially provide relief for a wide range of conditions. Unlike street cannabis, medical cannabis is tailored to your individual needs, reducing risks and enhancing outcomes.
The best thing to do is speak to your 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 eligibility checker.