Access Medical Cannabis Through a UK Specialist
Medical cannabis in the United Kingdom can only be prescribed by specialist medical consultants registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). This page provides guidance on how to find a qualified prescribing specialist, and our interactive clinic finder above helps you locate clinics near you.
NHS vs Private Access
Currently, medical cannabis is available on the NHS only for a small number of specific conditions, including severe treatment-resistant epilepsy in children, adults with multiple sclerosis spasticity, and adults with nausea caused by chemotherapy. For the vast majority of patients, access is through private specialist clinics.
Private specialist prescribing typically involves an initial consultation with a specialist consultant (such as a pain specialist, neurologist or psychiatrist), a review of your medical history and prior treatments, and a recommendation for a trial of medical cannabis where clinically appropriate.
How the Referral Process Works
- Contact a specialist clinic: Many UK clinics accept self-referrals. You do not always need a GP referral to book a consultation.
- Initial assessment: Your consultant will review your condition and treatment history. Medical cannabis is typically considered when at least two prior treatments have not provided adequate relief.
- Eligibility check: If eligible, your consultant will issue a prescription for an appropriate medical cannabis product.
- Dispensing: Your prescription will be fulfilled by a licensed dispensing pharmacy. Our pharmacy finder can help you locate one.
Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by specialist consultants registered with the GMC. Always ensure the clinic and prescriber you consult with are appropriately registered and regulated.
For information about Cannamedical Britannia’s formulary and quality standards, see our quality page or patient information blog.