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Glossary

Street Cannabis

In the UK, the term street cannabis is used to refer to illicit cannabis that has been purchased illegally, often on the street.

Street cannabis, or black market cannabis, is illegal in the UK. In 2019, it was estimated that street cannabis was being consumed for medicinal reasons by approximately 1.4 million people in Britain. Regardless of the reason, it remains illegal to purchase cannabis in this way. In the UK, cannabis is only legal when it has been prescribed by a specialist doctor and supplied by a licensed cannabis clinic or pharmacy. 

 

What is the difference between street cannabis and medical cannabis?

 

There are a couple of key differences between street cannabis and medical cannabis, apart from the legal standings, the biggest being the source of the product. Street cannabis is grown illegally with zero regulatory oversight. UK medical cannabis is grown under extremely stringent regulations by licensed producers, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product.

All medical cannabis products need to pass rigorous testing and quality control measures before being approved for use. This ensures that patients have access to safe, reliable, and effective treatments. In contrast, street cannabis can vary in potency and quality, making it difficult for users to know what they are consuming.

 

When did medical cannabis become a legal treatment option in the UK?

 

Medical cannabis became a legal treatment option in the UK on November 1st, 2018.

Prior to this change, medical cannabis was strictly prohibited and considered a Schedule 1 drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This meant that medical professionals were not legally allowed to prescribe it, and patients had no choice but to rely on illegal means to obtain the medication they needed.

To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.