LEAF IT TO KHIRON

Medical cannabis can only be obtained legally with a valid prescription. Eligible patients may receive a prescription from a specialist doctor practising through the NHS or a regulated private clinic, including online services. 

Most unlicensed cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) can only be prescribed by a doctor listed on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register,  or, where legally permitted, under their supervision. Prescriptions may be issued through both the NHS and regulated private clinics, including online clinics, following an individual clinical assessment.  

Medical cannabis products are supplied through licensed pharmacies following a valid prescription. Treatment may be accessed through specialist doctors or regulated private clinics, including online clinics, that are authorised to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs).

Eligible patients may be prescribed different types of medical cannabis, including dried flower for vaporisation and cannabis extracts (oils), depending on their individual clinical needs. 

There is no fixed list of qualifying conditions under UK law. Instead, each patient is assessed individually by a specialist clinician, who will determine whether a cannabis-based medicinal product (CBPM) may be clinically appropriate based on the patient’s condition, previous treatments and the available clinical evidence. 

There is no government-issued medical cannabis card in the UK. To legally access medical cannabis, eligible patients must obtain a prescription from a specialist doctor, either through an NHS service (in limited cases) or a regulated private clinic, including online services following a clinical assessment. Some clinics and organisations offer optional patient ID cards, such as Cancard or clinic-issued cards, but these are not required by law and do not replace a valid medical cannabis prescription. 

Eligible patients may be prescribed different types of medical cannabis, including dried flower for vaporisation and cannabis extracts (oils), depending on their individual clinical needs. 

An unlicensed cannabis-based medicinal product is not illegal. It simply means that the medicine does not hold a UK marketing authorisation. These medicines may still be prescribed by specialist doctors where they believe there is an unmet clinical need and no suitable licensed alternative. If you’re searching for how to get a medical cannabis license in the UK, it’s important to know that patients do not need a licence. Eligible patients may receive a prescription from a specialist doctor or a regulated online clinic following a clinical assessment. 

Medical cannabis can be prescribed as dried flower for vaporisation or as cannabis extracts (oils). Your specialist clinician will recommend the most appropriate option based on your individual needs.  

If you have a valid prescription, you can legally carry and use your prescribed medical cannabis in the UK, including in public where appropriate. However, you should keep it in its original pharmacy packaging and carry proof of your prescription, as some venues or organisations may have their own policies.  

Yes, you may be able to drive while using prescribed medical cannabis, provided you are not impaired, take your medication as prescribed, and can provide evidence of your valid prescription if required. If these conditions are met, UK law provides a statutory medical defence.  Patients should always follow the advice of their prescribing clinician. 

Yes. You can travel within the UK with your prescribed medical cannabis. If you are travelling abroad, check the laws of your destination country before you travel and carry your medication in its original pharmacy packaging, along with your prescription or a clinician’s letter. If you are bringing prescribed medical cannabis into the UK, you can normally bring up to a three-month supply. Different documentation requirements apply depending on whether you are a UK resident and where your medication was prescribed.  Additional permits or documentation may be required by some destination countries.