Medical cannabis and Scotland's healthcare systems
8 min read
Sarah Sinclair
More people throughout the UK are looking for alternative options to manage long-term health conditions. Here we explain how to access medical cannabis for patients in Scotland.
Contents
What is healthcare like in Scotland?
Patients in Scotland have access to free health services at the point of care through the NHS. However, like elsewhere in the UK, mounting pressures on these services, and lack of resources, have led some people to look for alternative options.
Waiting lists for treatment in Scotland have increased significantly since the pandemic, reaching the highest figure since records began in 2024, according to the British Medical Association.
Many of those waiting for treatment are likely to be living with at least one long-term illness, disease, or condition. The Scottish Health Survey has found the prevalence of limiting long-term conditions is on the rise, increasing from 26% in 2008, to 34% in 2021, to 37% in 2022.
Medical cannabis in Scotland
Medical cannabis is now prescribed for a wide range of conditions throughout the UK and may be a viable option for patients who have been unable to access the care and treatment they need through the NHS.
Chronic pain
The most common indication for which medical cannabis treatment is prescribed is chronic pain, which is thought to affect more than one-third of adults (38%) in Scotland.
Chronic pain is also one of the main reasons behind an increase in the number of opioid prescriptions between 2003-2012, with the number more than doubling during this period. Today over 45,000 people in Scotland are estimated to be living with opioid dependency, with almost 30,000 patients prescribed opioid substitution therapy in 2023/24.
However, there is growing evidence that cannabis-based medicines can be an effective alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain without some of the negative side-effects.
Mental health
Mental wellbeing in Scotland is at its lowest level on record, according to the Scottish Health Survey suggests, with one in three people estimated to be affected by mental health problems in Scotland in any one year.
Rates of anxiety have increased since the pandemic, but many patients are reporting relief from their symptoms with medical cannabis treatment.
How to get medical cannabis Scotland
Is medical cannabis legal in Scotland?
Medical cannabis is legal in Scotland and has been since November 2018. It is subject to the same regulations as the rest of the UK and can only be prescribed by consultants on the General Medical Council’s specialist register.
Who is eligible for a medical cannabis prescription in Wales?
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Medical cannabis can be prescribed for any long-term condition or symptoms which have not been successfully managed by conventional treatments, as long as the doctor feels it is in the best interests of the patient. However, you will usually need to have tried at least two previous treatments.
Some of the most common conditions which medical cannabis is typically prescribed for include:
- Chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis, migraines, or fibromyalgia
- Cancer associated symptoms or side effects from treatment, such as anxiety, depression, or loss of appetite and nausea from chemotherapy
- Gastrointestinal issues, like IBS and Crohn’s disease.
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and epilepsy
- Mental health problems like OCD, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Can I get medical cannabis on the NHS in Scotland?
Some licensed cannabis medicines have been approved for prescription on the NHS in Scotland in certain conditions. These include: Sativex, for use in the treatment of spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis; Epidyolex, for use in the treatment of seizures in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex; and Nabilone as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in adults.
However, as in the rest of the UK, very few (if any) prescriptions for unlicensed cannabis medicines are obtained through the NHS.
Where can I get a prescription for medical cannabis in Scotland?
Private clinics like Releaf, operate a telemedicine service enabling them to treat patients throughout Scotland (including in the Highlands) regardless of the local healthcare service provision.
Appointments with Releaf’s specialist consultants are held online and the patient's medication is delivered directly to their door using a secure signed-for service. This means they never have to travel to see a specialist doctor, or find a pharmacy that has their medication in stock. It can all be done from the comfort of their own home.
At the moment, all appointments with Releaf doctors are conducted in English.
How to apply for medical cannabis in Scotland
1. Sign-up and complete an eligibility assessment
Most clinics will ask you to complete an eligibility questionnaire and provide a copy of your Summary of Care Records from your GP. This is to provide information on your medical history and current health.
Releaf offers a free eligibility checker to help determine whether a prescription is right for you based on your condition and medical history.
2. Initial consultation
If you are a suitable candidate for a cannabis prescription, the clinic will book you in for a consultation with a specialist doctor. Releaf gives you the option to choose a 30-minute time slot for your video consultation with a doctor who is specialised in your condition at a day and time that suits you.
Some questions you may be asked during the consultation include:
- What are the symptoms of your condition, and how does it affect your daily life?
- What other treatments and medications have you tried previously?
- What are your expectations of medical cannabis? Why do you think it will help you?
- Have you ever taken cannabis in the past, medically or recreationally?
- If yes, did you experience any unpleasant side effects or issues from your use?
If your doctor feels medical cannabis would be suitable, they will suggest a treatment plan based on your condition and lifestyle. This is also a good opportunity for you to ask them any questions you have.
3. Review and approval
After your consultation, a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), which may include other doctors, a nurse and other support staff, will review your eligibility and treatment plan.
At Releaf the team holds MDTs daily with prescribing clinicians to ensure patients can get started with their new treatment as soon as possible.
4. Receiving your prescription
Almost all private clinics have a preferred pharmacy they work with, and most offer the option of having your prescribed medication delivered to the patient’s home.
Releaf will post your medication using Royal Mail or DPD and it should be with you within two to five working days of ordering.
5. Ongoing care
You will be required to see a clinician at least four times a year for follow-up appointments. During these appointments, your doctor will review your progress and may adjust the product or dose depending on your needs.
Releaf offers a choice of payment and subscription options, including the flexible subscription service: Releaf + which covers the costs of any future consultations, medication postage, and prescription fees.
If you decide to go with this option, your prescribed cannabis medication will be sent automatically in discreet, odorless packaging.
Next steps
Medical cannabis is a very personalised treatment. Releaf offers tailored monthly packages based on your prescription and a medical cannabis card for protection.
If you think you may benefit from medical cannabis treatment you can begin the process by using the free eligibility checker. If you still have questions or concerns, visit the FAQs page and/or contact the patient support team.
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Sarah, a distinguished journalist with over a decade in publishing and communications, now excels in cannabis health and policy journalism in the UK, advocating for informed health decisions through her award-winning work.
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