The most frequently asked questions about medical cannabis answered
8 min read
Editorial Team
Starting your journey to understand the ins and outs of medical cannabis in the UK? You've landed at the right place. In this article, you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions that surround the medical cannabis prescription process. From checking your eligibility, having your appointment with insightful guidance on how to converse with your doctor about it to obtaining a prescription, we aim to provide clear, concise answers to facilitate a smoother pathway for those exploring the potential benefits of medical cannabis.
Contents
What is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is regulated and produced under licence for patients with a wide range of pain, inflammation, neurological, gastrointestinal, psychological and autoimmune conditions. Medical cannabis is produced to meet a high approval standard to ensure patient safety. It is made from the cannabis plant, typically in the form of cannabis flower to be vaped, oil in tincture form, vaporiser cartridges and capsules.
Medicinal cannabis products are prescribed to treat various medical conditions and symptoms, making it a valuable tool in healthcare. It is is known for its potential to provide relief and alleviate symptoms from conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea induced by chemotherapy.
Medical cannabis is only available in the UK with a prescription written by a specialist doctor and only to those who meet strict criteria.
Learn more: What is cannabis and how does it work in the body?
How to get medical cannabis in the UK
To get legal medical cannabis in the UK a specialist consultant must prescribe you one of the available medications; it's only available to those who qualify under specific medical conditions.
To determine if you qualify, a healthcare professional will assess your condition and Summary of Care Records to determine if medical cannabis is a suitable treatment option. Once you qualify, your doctor can issue a prescription for suitable medication options. However, it's essential to note that medical cannabis is not typically available through the National Health Service (NHS), and you will more than likely need to purchase it privately.
The cost can vary significantly depending on the prescribed product and dosage, so discussing pricing with your doctor or a specialised clinic is advisable. To apply for a medical cannabis prescription, you can use our eligibility checker. You can reach out to clinics or specialists with expertise in this area, and you can also seek information and support from online communities like Reddit for guidance on the process.
Learn more: How to get medical cannabis in the UK
How to use medical cannabis
To use medical cannabis effectively, you must first select the right cannabis-based medicinal product for you based on your medical needs. The most common forms of cannabis-based medicinal products are vaporising flowers and oil in tincture form.
When it comes to oil tinctures, you typically take them orally. Use a dropper to measure your desired dose, usually in drops or millilitres, and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for up to two minutes before swallowing for efficient absorption. Vaping involves inhaling vaporised cannabis flowers or pure oils, which provides rapid relief by allowing cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. You can use specialised vaporisers designed for cannabis flowers or concentrates with compatible cartridges.
Smoking medical cannabis in the UK is prohibited due to the harmful side effects caused by combustion. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable method and dosage for your medical condition.
Learn more: A complete guide to the medical administration of cannabinoids
How do I get a medical cannabis card?
To get a medical cannabis card in the UK you can apply to one of the online services that provide them by meeting the qualifying criteria. You will need to provide a copy of your Summary of Care Records.
Not all medical cannabis cards offer the same service, and some do not validate your status as a legal patient. In the UK, medical cannabis cards aren't compulsory. Instead, medical cannabis is prescribed by a specialist doctor if they believe it's a suitable treatment for your condition. Medical cannabis cards allow patients to store information about their prescriptions and medical conditions for healthcare professionals and the police if needed.
To see if you qualify for a UK medical cannabis prescription, head to our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker, which will assess your medical history and determine if you qualify for a prescription. If you're eligible, your doctor will provide you with a prescription, and you can obtain medical cannabis products from licensed pharmacies or have them delivered to your home.
Be sure to inquire about the available products, dosages, and associated costs during your consultation with the specialist. It's essential to follow the legal and medical channels to access medical cannabis in the UK, as there isn't a card-based system like in some other countries that exempt patients from existing cannabis laws.
Learn more: Releaf's Medical Cannabis Card
How to buy medical cannabis?
To buy medical cannabis in the UK you must have a prescription written by a specialist doctor. The prescription is for a set amount of a specific product to last 28 days. Cannabis-based medicinal products must be produced in licensed facilities and dispensed through authorised clinics. A strict legal process is involved in getting medical cannabis in the UK. The most common forms of cannabis medicines are flower and oil.
You can get both medical cannabis flower and oil delivered to your home address with Releaf. Super simple, easy, and stress-free.
Learn more: Buy medical cannabis in the UK
How to talk to your doctor about medical cannabis
The way to talk to your doctor about medical cannabis is honestly. If you have no understanding of medical cannabis but think it may be an option for you, ask your doctor the questions you would like answers to.
You can tell your doctor about your previous experience with cannabis, or you may already be using street cannabis to treat your medical condition and want to transition to a legal prescription. Either way, your doctor must know your cannabis literacy so they can provide the best health service possible.
To discuss medical cannabis with your doctor you should describe your symptoms, treatments you are currently on or have tried before and how they have worked for you. Your doctor will ask you questions for them to determine if prescribing medical cannabis is in your best interest. A collaborative and informed discussion with your doctor can help determine whether medical cannabis aligns with your healthcare needs.
How to grow medical cannabis?
To grow medical cannabis in the UK, a licence granted by the Home Office is required. Growing medical cannabis typically involves a large facility replicating the plant's required environmental conditions.
For companies that grow the best-grade medical cannabis that meets the strictest criteria, hydroponics is the preferred method. Growing medical cannabis in soil is possible, but it is difficult to meet safety standards imposed by the MHRA. Medical cannabis can be grown in the UK indoors or in a greenhouse. Medical cannabis licence holders must grow medical cannabis with fertilisers that do not contain any harmful ingredients hazardous to human health.
Before medical cannabis can be turned into a product that patients are prescribed, it must pass more safety standard tests to prove there are no moulds or bacteria that could cause illness. Products are tested for cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Medical cannabis products must undergo shelf stability tests to ensure they remain safe for patients after being packaged.
Learn more: How to get a medical cannabis cultivation licence in the UK
What are the conditions for medical cannabis?
In the UK, specialist doctors can prescribe medical cannabis for a huge range of health issues, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Certain mental health issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Neurological conditions
- Women's health concerns
- Gastroenterological issues
This is only a short list, and there are many more conditions that may qualify for medical cannabis treatment here in the UK.
Why choose Releaf for medical cannabis in the UK?
Releaf is the fastest-growing medical cannabis clinic in the UK. Our amazing patients are the heart of everything we do, and we go above and beyond to provide them with the best possible care. Our world-class clinical team cover a hugely diverse range of expertise, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of individualised care.
Want to learn more?
Head to our head to our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker. It takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK.
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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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Editorial Team
Article written by the Releaf Editorial Team, a group of seasoned experts in cannabis healthcare, dedicated to enhancing awareness and accessibility in the field through their wealth of knowledge and experience.
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All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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