The landscape of medical cannabis prescribing in the UK is rapidly evolving. The UK government has made clear its intention to increase access to medical cannabis for patients in need, and recent policy changes have opened the door to a new wave of cannabis-based treatments.

This post will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of medical cannabis prescribing in the UK, including an update on the regulations, guidance, and initiatives to facilitate greater access and understanding of this emerging field.

In addition, we will discuss the challenges that remain in providing medical cannabis treatments to UK patients, and how these challenges can be addressed in the coming years. Finally, we will provide a set of key takeaways for those interested in the medical cannabis landscape in the UK.

1. The current laws and regulations

Currently, cannabis-based medicinal products are classified as Schedule 2 Controlled Drugs, which means they must be prescribed by a specialist doctor with a license from the Home Office.

Furthermore, all prescriptions must be submitted to the UK Home Office for approval, and all products must be obtained from a licensed supplier.

2. How medical cannabis products can be prescribed

In the UK, medical cannabis products can be prescribed by doctors, including general practitioners and specialists, as a last resort treatment for certain conditions.

Patients who have tried other treatments that have not worked can request a prescription and, if approved, will have access to a range of medical cannabis products such as oils, capsules, and other oral products.

Doctors will work with the patient to find a product that is the best fit for their needs. Patients are required to follow their doctor’s instructions and must adhere to the law when using the product.

3. Latest research into medical cannabis prescribing

Recent research into medical cannabis prescribing has highlighted the potential of this relatively new therapy. Studies have shown that medical cannabis may help to reduce the symptoms of a variety of conditions, such as chronic pain and anxiety.

Additionally, research has found that medical cannabis may help to reduce the side effects associated with some drugs, such as chemotherapy. It is important to note, however, that the quality and safety of medical cannabis products must be monitored, and that further research is needed to understand the full potential of this therapy.