Is Medical Marijuana Now Legal In The UK?

In the UK even medical marijuana is a topic that sparks debate, with countless high profile cases of patients having to travel to get the medication they need and politicians firmly sitting on both sides of the fence. With growing financial pressures in the UK, could the tide be turning on government opinion and how likely are we to see a properly funded medical marijuana programme or even full legalisation?

Is medical marijuana currently legal in the UK?
Medical marijuana is legal in the UK—but it’s not quite as simple as walking into your local pharmacy. The laws were updated in 2018 to allow cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) to be prescribed by specialist doctors under very specific circumstances. However, most people don’t even know about the UK’s medical marijuana program 

When was medical marijuana legalized in the UK?
Medical marijuana became legal on November 1, 2018. This change followed high-profile cases like those of Alfie Dingley and Billy Caldwell, children who needed cannabis-based medicines to control severe epilepsy. Public outcry led to a shift in government policy, paving the way for legal medical cannabis.

What laws regulate medical cannabis in the UK?
The primary legislation governing medical cannabis is the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, amended to classify CBMPs as Schedule 2 drugs. This means they’re controlled substances but can be prescribed by a specialist under strict conditions.

Differences between medical and recreational cannabis under UK law
Recreational cannabis remains illegal and is classified as a Schedule 1 drug. This means it has no officially recognized medical use and carries strict penalties for possession, cultivation, or distribution. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, can be legally prescribed under very specific rules.

Accessing Medical Marijuana in the UK
Getting your hands on medical marijuana in the UK isn’t straightforward. It’s not as widely available as in countries like Canada or certain US states, but it is possible with the right steps.

Who is eligible for a medical cannabis prescription?
You’re eligible if you have a condition that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or chronic pain. Doctors usually require evidence that other treatments haven’t worked before considering cannabis-based medicines.

How to obtain a medical cannabis prescription in the UK

Here’s how it works:

• Start by seeing a specialist doctor who’s registered with the General Medical Council.
• They’ll assess your condition and review your treatment history.
• If they believe medical cannabis could help, they’ll write a prescription.

Role of private vs NHS cannabis prescriptions
Most prescriptions are issued privately, as the NHS rarely funds CBMPs. Private prescriptions can be expensive, but they’re currently the most common route for patients seeking medical cannabis.

Approved Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products in the UK

The most well-known products include:

• Epidyolex: Used for severe epilepsy.
• Sativex: A spray for multiple sclerosis symptoms.
• Nabilone: Often prescribed for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
• Cannabis flower: There are now a handful of privately paid for prescription services in the UK that are legally allowed to supply small quantities of flower to be vaporised.

Conditions treated with medical marijuana in the UK

Medical cannabis is approved for conditions like:

• Severe epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis-related spasticity
• Chronic pain (in rare cases)
• Some sleeping disorders
• Cancer
• Gastroenterological disorders

Are there any restrictions on the use of these products?
Yes, CBMPs can only be prescribed by specialists, and they’re not a first-line treatment. This means doctors will explore all other options before considering medical cannabis.

The Prescription Process and Costs
Getting a prescription for medical cannabis isn’t cheap or easy, but it’s achievable if you meet the criteria.

How much does a medical cannabis prescription cost in the UK?
Private prescriptions typically cost between £200 and £500 for an initial consultation. Monthly costs for the medicine range from £150 to £250, depending on the dosage and product.

Steps to get a prescription from a clinic

• Book a consultation with a private medical cannabis clinic.
• Provide your medical records and treatment history.
• If approved, you’ll receive a prescription and guidance on dosage.

Challenges patients face in accessing cannabis-based medicines

The biggest hurdles include:

• High costs for private treatment
• Lack of awareness among doctors
• Limited availability of NHS funding

What is the public opinion on medical marijuana in the UK?
Most Brits support the use of medical cannabis, with polls showing growing acceptance. However, there’s still stigma around cannabis use, which can affect how patients are treated.

Comparison of UK cannabis laws to other countries
The UK’s approach is far more restrictive than countries like Canada, where cannabis is fully legalized, or Germany, which has a broader medical cannabis program. This difference often leaves UK patients feeling frustrated.

Impact of legalization on UK society and healthcare
Legalizing medical cannabis has opened doors for patients, but challenges like cost and accessibility remain. With more research and policy changes, the future could look brighter for medical cannabis in the UK.

Can you grow marijuana if you have a medical license?
Unfortunately growing weed is still illegal in the UK, even if you have a medical license and this doesn’t look likely to change anytime soon.
We spoke to Jerome from Auto Seeds, one of the UK's leading cannabis breeders, for their take on the matter. 

When do you think the UK government are likely to allow medical license holders to grow their own cannabis? 
Jerome: “It’s difficult to say, but with changes to the laws in Germany and now Czech Republic, we’re hoping that once the government here sees how much tax revenue can be raised by allowing weed to be sold in a controlled way—whether that’s in a dispensary or through people being allowed to grow seeds bought online—it might open the door to growing for medical users.

How do you think it would affect the UK market for cannabis seeds?
Jerome: “The UK is already well known for having one of the biggest underground cannabis communities already, so legalizing it or even allowing medical users to grow would be a really positive change for us as a business. We’ve seen how big the impact has been in Germany, so I’d expect a similar effect in the UK. What many people don’t realize is that the UK already has hundreds of well-established cannabis businesses that export a lot of their produce. Legalizing it just makes sense when you look at how much extra tax revenue countries likes the US, Germany and Canada are able to generate.”

FAQ

What conditions qualify for medical marijuana in the UK?
Severe epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain are among the conditions that may qualify. Doctors assess eligibility on a case-by-case basis, considering whether other treatments have failed.

Can you get medical marijuana on the NHS?
Yes, but it’s extremely rare. Most prescriptions are issued privately due to NHS restrictions on cannabis-based medicines.

What is the cost of medical marijuana in the UK?
Initial consultations range from £200-£500, with monthly medication costs averaging £100-£200. Private prescriptions are the norm.

So, is medical marijuana now legal in the UK? Yes, but accessing it has not been made easy. With strict regulations, high costs, and limited availability, it’s a challenging path for patients. Still, it’s a step forward, and with ongoing advocacy and research, the situation could improve. If you’re considering medical cannabis, start by consulting a specialist to explore your options.