Medical cannabis in the UK – are you eligible

Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018, but for most the route to prescription can feel confusing. Can your GP prescribe it? Is it only available through the NHS? And what actually makes someone “eIigibIe”?

If these questions sound famiIiar, you’re in the right pIace.

Toke makes cannabis clear, safe and personal. We connect customers with verified clinics, transparent information, and a stigma-free community across Europe.

TL;DR key takeaways:

•    Only specialist doctors on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe medical cannabis.

Your GP can’t begin treatment but may continue prescribing under speciaIist supervision [1].

•    NHS access is very limited and condition-specific; most eligible patients are treated privately [2].

•    Typical private-care eIigibiIity: a diagnosed condition and evidence you’ve tried 2 other appropriate treatments without adequate relief or with intolerable side effects [  3].

•    Most privateIy prescribed medicaI cannabis prescriptions are unIicensed (speciaIs’ and require documentation, oversight and regular follow-up [4].
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Quick navigation (anchored links)

•    Who can prescribe medical cannabis in the UK?

•    NHS vs private: what to expect

•    Medicines you may be offered

•    When isn’t a medical cannabis prescription given?

•    Am I eligible?

•    Getting ready for consultation

•    Fast FAQs

•    Summary

Who can prescribe medical cannabis in the UK?

In the UK onIy speciaIist doctors on the GeneraI MedicaI CounciI’s (GMC) SpeciaIist Register can prescribe a cannabis-based product for medicinal use (CBPM). This applies for both the NHS,

and private clinics.

While your GP may not initiate, they can issue repeat prescriptions under supervision of a specialist.

NHS vs Private: what to expect

Medical cannabis on the NHS is prescribed by hospital specialists and are only considered for a small number of conditions set out inNICE guidance. These include:

•    Rare forms of treatment resistant epilepsy such as

o Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

o Dravet Syndrome Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)

•    Muscle spasticity from multiple sclerosis

•    Intractable nausea and vomiting

The decision typically goes through a multidisciplinary review, where licensed medications, such as Epidyolex, are dispensed via pharmacies.

Under private care, the same rule applies that only a GMC-registered specialist can prescribe medical cannabis. These clinics are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and must follow the same GMC and MHRA standards as the NHS.

You can be referred by your GP or self-refer directly. Medical cannabis prescriptions will only be considered for patients when licensed treatments have not helped or produced adverse effects.

Conditions that may be treated include:

•    Chronic pain (arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropathic pain)

•    Neurological disorders (MS, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, cluster headaches)

•    Psychiatric conditions (PTSD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, insomnia)

•    Cancer-related symptoms (pain, appetite loss, nausea)

•    Digestive conditions (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS)

Medicines you may be offered;

If you’re eligible, your specialist doctor will tailor your prescriptions based on your condition, symptoms and daily routine.

Some products are licensed (e.g., Epidyolex, Sativex, Nabilone), while others are unlicensed

“specials” which are not prescribed only when no approved option meets a patient’s needs [4].

Unlicensed “specials” are medical cannabis products prescribed when no licensed medicine meets a patient’s needs. They’re made or imported for a named individual, under strict

regulation, and can only be prescribed by a GMC-registered specialist. Though not formally licensed, they’re closely monitored for safety and quality through regulated clinics and

pharmacies.

All are dispensed under specialist oversight and pharmacy regulation, ensuring consistency and safety [4].

•    Oils and tinctures: Taken by mouth or held under the tongue. Easy to adjust by drops, with a steadier effect. Onset is slower than inhalation.

•    Capsules and softgels: Pre-measured doses for convenience and consistency. Useful if you prefer a set routine.

•     Mouth sprays: Metered doses (such as an asthma pump) that you spray inside the cheek. Discreet, quick to use, and easier to titrate for some patients.

•     Dried flower for vaporisation: Used with a medical-grade vaporiser for faster relief. (smoking is illegal)

Toke’s product explainers translate this into clear, understandable language, so you can feel  confident ahead of your appointment. Discover different strains and methods of consumption with Toke to help find what’s right for you.

When isn’t a medical cannabis prescription given?

Specialists carefully assess whether cannabis is safe and suitable. It may be avoided if you are:

•    Pregnant or breastfeeding

•    Living with untreated psychosis or schizophrenia

•    At high cardiovascular risk

•    Working in safety-critical jobs (like driving or operating heavy machinery) [  3].

These restrictions exist to protect patients and ensure responsible prescribing, part of the

safety-first approach that defines both UK regulation and Toke’s own verification standards.

Am I eligible?

Before you can begin medical cannabis treatment in the UK, a specialist clinic needs to confirm you’re eligible. This ensures treatment is safe, clinically justified, and compliant with UK

regulations.

Prior to completing a full assessment, patients must satisfy certain criteria:

•    You must have tried two conventional forms of treatment for your condition without success, like medication or therapy

•    You must not have a history of schizophrenia or psychosis

•    You must be able to either provide or give access to your summary care record (SCR) from your GP

•    You must be aware that you are paying for your appointments and prescriptions

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At Toke, we make this process clear and simple, helping you connect with verified, Care Quality Commission-registered clinics and transparent information so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Getting ready for consultation

Once you have confirmed you’re eligible, the next step is to have a consultation with a GMC- registered specialist.

Before your appointment, most clinics will ask you to:

•    Share your Summary Care Record (SCR) or give permission for the clinic to access it, to ensure your care is properly coordinated.]

•    Provide details of previous treatments you’ve tried and how effective they were — most specialists need evidence you’ve already tried at least two appropriate options.

•    Disclose any relevant health or mental health history, including any contraindications such as psychosis or cardiovascular risk factors.

•    Understand the costs involved, including consultation fees and prescriptions as most UK medical cannabis care is provided privately.

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These steps help your doctor build a complete picture of your health and tailor your treatment safely and responsibly.

Toke makes this process simple and transparent, connecting you to verified, CQC-registered clinics and providing clear guidance at every stage, so you can approach your consultation   informed, confident, and supported.

Fast FAQs

Can my GP prescribe medical cannabis?

No. Only specialists can initiate CBPMs; GPs may participate in shared care after initiation [1]. Do I need to have tried other treatments first?

Yes. You’ll need to show that standard treatments were ineffective or poorly tolerated before medical cannabis can be considered [3].

Is NHS access growing?

Slowly, the NHS provides information and it is available in some cases. Most patients access treatment through private treatment [2].

Are private clinics legal and regulated?

Yes, when prescribed by a GMC specialist and dispensed by a regulated pharmacy. Most prescriptions are for unlicensed specials with strict prescribing rules [4].

What will I be prescribed?

Options include oils, capsules, sprays, and — when appropriate — dried flower for vaporisation. Your doctor will recommend what’s safest for your condition.

Summary

Accessing medical cannabis in the UK is possible, but the route and safeguards matter. A GMC specialist must assess you, and whilst the NHS does prescribe, most eligible patients use

regulated private clinics after trying other treatments [1].

Toke brings clarity to every step. Access verified clinics, discover eligibility, and feel part of a stigma-free community to help you discover what’s right for you.

References

[1] NHS England. (2023, August 10). Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs).

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-cbpms/

[2] NHS. (2022, May 27). Medical cannabis (and cannabis oils).

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/medical-cannabis/

[3] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019, Nov 11; reviewed 2025, May 20). Cannabis-based medicinal products (NG144).https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng144

[4] Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2025, Jan 29). Supply unlicensed

medicinal products (specials).https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supply-unlicensed- medicinal-products-specials

[5] General Medical Council. (2025). Prescribing unlicensed medicines.https://www.gmc-    uk.org/professional-standards/the-professional-standards/good-practice-in-prescribing-and- managing-medicines-and-devices/prescribing-unlicensed-medicines

[6] Care Quality Commission. (2024, July 3). Cannabis-based medicinal products: what CQC

expects providers to know.https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/healthcare/cannabis-based-medicinal-products-what-cqc-expects-providers