What Is Medical Cannabis? A Beginner’s Guide for UK Patients

What Is Medical Cannabis?

In the UK, medical cannabis (also called cannabis-based medicinal products, or CBMPs) refers to medicines derived from the cannabis plant that can be prescribed for certain health conditions.

It became legal for doctors on the GMC Specialist Register to prescribe cannabis-based medicines on 1 November 2018. But it isn’t available to everyone — prescriptions are only issued when standard treatments haven’t worked, and always under the supervision of a specialist doctor.

How Does Medical Cannabis Work?

Your body has a built-in system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It helps regulate important functions like sleep, pain, appetite, memory, and mood.

Cannabinoids — the active compounds in cannabis — interact with this system:

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): Can reduce symptoms such as muscle stiffness, nausea, and pain but is also the part of cannabis that can cause a “high.”
CBD (cannabidiol): Non-intoxicating, with evidence for epilepsy and potential benefits for anxiety, inflammation, and sleep.

Together, THC and CBD (often in specific ratios) are used in medical products to target symptoms safely and effectively.

What Products Exist in UK Medicine?

In the UK, doctors can prescribe both licensed medicines (like Epidyolex® and Sativex®) and unlicensed cannabis-based products in certain cases. Here’s a breakdown:

Licensed Products

Nabiximols (Sativex®): A mouth spray with a 1:1 balance of THC and CBD, licensed for moderate to severe MS spasticity.
Cannabidiol (Epidyolex®): A purified CBD oral solution licensed for rare epilepsies such as Dravet, Lennox–Gastaut, and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Nabilone: A synthetic cannabinoid sometimes used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when other anti-sickness medicines haven’t worked.

Cannabis Flower (Medical Use)

Format: Vaporised (not smoked).
Why it’s used: Fast relief — often within minutes — making it useful for breakthrough pain, spasticity, or sudden symptom flare-ups.
Things to know: Shorter-lasting than oils, and THC levels vary by strain. Always dispensed with dosing guidance from your pharmacy.

Custom Oil Formulations

Format: Oral oils with tailored THC\:CBD ratios.
Why it’s used: Provides longer-lasting relief with steady symptom coverage.
Things to know: Slower onset (30–120 minutes). Best for regular, consistent symptom management.

Oral Ingestibles (Capsules, Oral Solutions)

Format: Capsules or prescription solutions.
Why it’s used: Convenient, discreet, and precise dosing.
Things to know: Longer onset time (up to 2+ hours), but effects last longer.

At Iyos Pharmacy, we dispense all prescribed formats — flower for vaporisation, oils, and capsules — and give you clear guidance on safe dosing, side-effects, and interactions.

What Does the Evidence Say?

The UK takes a cautious approach, and prescribing is limited. But growing research — and real-world data from patients — shows potential benefits across several areas.

Chronic Pain

Some patients report significant improvements in pain intensity, sleep quality, and daily functioning.
In the UK, NICE does not recommend routine prescribing of cannabis for chronic primary pain on the NHS.
However, private specialists may consider it on a case-by-case basis if other treatments have failed.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Spasticity

Nabiximols (Sativex®) can reduce muscle stiffness and improve mobility in patients who haven’t found relief from standard medications.

Epilepsy

Prescription cannabidiol (Epidyolex®) helps reduce seizure frequency in Dravet syndrome, Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Nabilone may be prescribed when standard anti-sickness medicines aren’t effective.

Safety Matters

Side-effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, or mood changes. That’s why cannabis-based medicines are always specialist-prescribed, with careful titration and follow-up.

How to Get Started

Only a specialist doctor can prescribe medical cannabis in the UK. At Iyos Pharmacy, we work closely with trusted partner clinics who:

Assess whether you’re eligible.
Decide if medical cannabis is right for your condition.
Write a prescription if appropriate.

We then dispense your medication safely, provide guidance on use, and support you throughout treatment.

Key Takeaways

Medical cannabis is legal in the UK under specialist supervision.
Products include licensed medicines (Sativex®, Epidyolex®, Nabilone) and unlicensed formats like flower, oils, and capsules.
Evidence supports use in MS spasticity, certain epilepsies, and chemotherapy nausea, with cautious but growing interest in chronic pain.
Access is through specialist clinics and dispensed by pharmacies like Iyos.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Only a specialist doctor can decide whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment.